Mission Statement for the UNLV Task Force on Jewish Identity and Inclusion

UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield and Provost Chris Heavey have charged the 2024-5 UNLV Task Force on Jewish Identity and Inclusion with developing a plan to enhance the visibility, safety, vibrancy, and inclusion of the Jewish presence at UNLV. The Task Force will work with the University administration, faculty, staff, students, and community supporters to a) collect data about the campus Jewish community and the campus climate for Jewish identity; b) develop campus-wide educational programming, with local and national Jewish organizations, to improve understanding, inclusion, and appreciation for the Jewish presence at UNLV; c) propose Jewish Studies curriculum; d) research and propose policies and procedures to enhance equity and inclusion for Jewish faculty and staff.

The Task Force is also charged with supporting community engagement by fostering better communication and collaboration among such groups as the Jewish Faculty and Staff affinity group, Hillel Las Vegas, Chabad at UNLV, Las Vegas Jewish Experience, as well as such community partners as the Jewish Federation of Nevada, the Israeli-American Council of Las Vegas, and the Anti-Defamation League of Nevada. Through the Academic Engagement Network, the Task Force will also develop ties to, and learn from, comparable initiatives at peer institutions regionally and nationally.

The Task Force will report to the University senior leadership on progress made in the course of the year and at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year to recommend longer-term strategies.