Indiana University Commission on Multicultural Understanding records, 1979-2010

Summary

Creator:
Indiana University, Bloomington. Commission on Multicultural Understanding
Abstract:
The Commission on Multicultural Understanding was established in 1982 at Indiana University. The organization strove to make IU an environment in which students could feel safe and at home, regardless of race, age, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. The collection consists of minutes, reports, and correspondence regarding the yearly operation of the organization as well as details audiovisual and other educational resources on topics such as race, religion, gender identity, sexual identity, sexuality, and rape awareness.
Extent:
12.8 cubic feet (14 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English
Preferred citation:

[Item], Indiana University Commission on Multicultural Understanding records, Collection C676, Indiana University Archives, Bloomington.

Background

Administrative History:

Started at Indiana University in 1982 by the IU Dean of Students as the Committee on Racial Understanding, the committee was dedicated to raising awareness against racism on campus. In 1985 the group's name changed to the Commission on Racial Understanding (CORU) to highlight their involvement in campus-wide initiatives. The goal of the organization was to increase communication and education that brought awareness and opened dialogue on issues of oppression, thereby enhancing the campus climate and creating a safe community.

In 1990 the group changed its name for the final time to become known as the Commission on Multicultural Understanding (COMU) to show their commitment to the diverse community they serve and reflect the variety of cultural backgrounds on the IU campus. COMU consists of seven committees that address issues relating to faculty and staff, student policies, orientation of new students, awards and recognition, and training. Some of their most notable activities include educating the IU community surrounding the controversial Woodburn Murals and the annual COMU Awards that recognize outstanding individuals and their achievements in diversity.

The organization had seven committees on which students could serve and become active participants in multicultural awareness. The Faculty and Staff Policy Issues Committee and the Student Policy Issues Committee addressed problems and recommended changes in policies concerning faculty, staff, and students at the University that lead to overall satisfaction of the University's employees and recruitment of diverse students. The Orientation and Welcome Committee coordinated an information session during orientation for new students to address topics related to racism and diversity. They also worked to keep new students well informed about policies and procedures that assist students when incidents occurred. The Retreats and Recognition Committee organized gatherings for students, faculty, and staff to come together and discuss issues regarding multiculturalism in the campus community. It was also responsible for hosting the annual COMU Awards. The Student Coalition Committee raised awareness and organized educational activities to combat various forms of oppression on campus. The Teachable Moments Committee designed programs and created education opportunities on campus to increase awareness and understanding of varying kinds of conflict in the community. Lastly, the Training Committee recruited individuals interested in multicultural awareness. These individuals were then trained to go out and teach the community and promote multicultural understanding.

Scope and Content Note:

The collection is organized into three series: Administrative files, Subject files, and Audiovisual materials.

The Administrative files span the years 1981-2010, with the bulk of the material dating from 1988 or later. They include correspondence, Executive Council meeting agendas and summaries, annual budgets and reports, event and educational programming files, educational and publicity material, and committee files.

The Subject files date from 1983-2001 and include files concerning research and resources concerting the various issues, initiative, and activities that COMU planned or participated in. Research includes articles, newspaper clippings, and printouts on different issues, such as racism, diversity, men's and women's issues, academic integrity, and gender and sexuality issues. The bulk of the files correspond to issues and incidents of racism on campus. They include instructional content for education against racism and harassment and articles addressing racism in college communities. Several files relating to incidents of misconduct on campus are restricted.

The Audiovisual materials series dates from 1979-2006 and includes recordings in a variety of formats, including DVDs, VHS tapes, and electronic files. Notable content includes video interviews and other recordings related to the controversial Thomas Benton murals in Woodburn Hall 100 and other instructional videos that COMU used in their diversity awareness efforts. The latter recordings include informative programs on some of the issues COMU dealt with such as racism, harassment, and campus safety, and many of the tapes come from the IU Instructional Television series.

Acquisition information:
Accession: Accession 2015/141
Provenance:

Records were transferred from the Indiana University Dean of Students Office to the IU Archives in December 2015.

Processing Information:

Processed by Sylva Osbourne.

Completed in June 2017.

Arrangement:

Collection is organized into three series: Administrative files, Subject files, and Audiovisual materials.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Select files closed to researchers. These are indicated in the finding aid.

Advance notice required for access to collection.

Terms of access:

Copyrights for records originating with Indiana University administrative units, departments, and other offices are held by the Trustees of Indiana University. For more information, please contact the Indiana University Archives staff.

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Digital reproductions of archival materials from the Indiana University Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research purposes only. If you are the copyright holder for any of the digitized materials and have questions about its inclusion on our site, please contact the Indiana University Archives staff.

Preferred citation:

[Item], Indiana University Commission on Multicultural Understanding records, Collection C676, Indiana University Archives, Bloomington.

Location of this collection:
Herman B Wells Library E460
1320 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7000, United States
Visit the University Archives
Before you visit:
Campus:
Indiana University Bloomington
Contact:
812-855-1127
archives@iu.edu