Activism -

Content warning: racism, sexism, violence, language

BIPOC students identify lacking cultural competency around creative approaches, content and placement of work. The divisive presidential election in the midst of documented xenophobia, racism, classism and sexism sparks conversation and organizing around anti-fascism and the role of art in response to our political climate. Global warming and environmental sustainability are topics of concern within the community.

Red to black gradient poster with white text

Paintbrush letterring on an image of Aziz Ansari

Poster with illustration of a black man holding up flyers

Pink poster with illustration of Trump and Cruz

Multiple white posters in a grid on a wall

Trump's head photoshopped onto a chicken

Illustration of a white poster with black text on a red poster

Poop emoji and black text on white poster

Black text and illustration on a white poster

Red to blue gradient printed illustration of person throwing a brick

RISD initiatives

The Office of Title IX was created in to provide prevention and response processes around gender-based discrimination and violence. In The Office of International Student Services (OISS) was created to advocate for RISD’s international community. The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE) was created in to promote cultural awareness while serving as a resource for specific RISD communities. Also in , Divest RISD’s initiatives persuaded the Trustees Finance Committee to no longer invest institutional endowment funds in fossil fuel industries.

The SEI Action Plan launched in , followed by the hiring of the first Associate Provost for SEI and the creation of the Center for SEI and Teaching and Learning Lab. A Sexual Misconduct and Safety Task Force delivered a report to leadership in and recommendations were implemented in response to the #MeToo movement. of RISD’s strategic plan NEXT: – was finalized in , with the first pillar focusing on social justice and equity.