Multicultural Issues

IFO Statement on NY Times Article Featuring Racist Activities in St. Cloud

IFO Statement on NY Times Article Featuring Racist Activities in St. Cloud

As faculty and members of university communities, we uphold the values of equity and inclusion and advocate for people of color and immigrant community members, who make our institutions and our union stronger.

IFO Statement on the Terrorist Attack at New Zealand Mosques

IFO Statement on the Terrorist Attack at New Zealand Mosques

The IFO believes that diversity of all kinds makes us eminently stronger. We remain committed to bettering our world for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and all marginalized peoples who are made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in our communities. 

Application Open for IFO Faculty of Color Leadership Retreat

Application Open for IFO Faculty of Color Leadership Retreat

The IFO is hosting a leadership retreat for Minnesota State university faculty of color April 12-14 in St. Paul.

Greetings from IFO Equity Caucus Coordinator

Greetings from IFO Equity Caucus Coordinator

As these caucuses have formed, I’ve been excited to witness new leaders with new and needed perspectives emerging to join with longtime advocates for social justice.

Campus Equity Caucuses Begin this Fall

Campus Equity Caucuses Begin this Fall

If you are interested in working within your campus caucus or have any questions about how caucus representation works, please contact me.
 

IFO announces appointees to MinnState Equity and Inclusion Council

IFO announces appointees to MinnState Equity and Inclusion Council

Shannon Miller, Ajay Panicker and Kim Park Nelson to serve on the MinnState Equity and Inclusion Council.

Metropolitan State Professor Dr. Daniel Abebe Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Multicultural Issues

The Inter Faculty Organization (IFO) has recognized Metropolitan State University Professor Dr. Daniel Abebe with the Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Multicultural Issues Award. Dr. Abebe has dedicated his professional and personal life to advancing opportunities and awareness on multicultural issues at Metropolitan State University and within the community. The IFO Multicultual Issues Committee reviewed all nominations and recommended Dr. Abebe as the recipient to the IFO Board of Directors.

Dr. Abebe has created a positive difference for countless people throughout his 28 years as a faculty member at Metropolitan State with his tireless work and leadership in support of communities of color. He has guided hundreds of college students, faculty peers, and other U.S. professionals on trips to Kenya, Tanzania, Jamaica, Botswana, Western Samoa, Ghana, Liberia and other destinations. He coordinated the Perspectives Center, co-founded and served as the first co-chair of the Ethnic Studies Department. He also served in leadership roles on the Inter Faculty Organization (IFO) Multicultural Advisory Committee and Equity and Diversity Committee, the Anti-Racism Leadership Team (ARLT), the Diversity Learning Task Force, and the International Exchange and Study Committee.

In 2014, he received Metropolitan State University’s Anti-Racism Legacy Award. In 2017, he received the Metropolitan State University’s Carol C. Ryan Excellence in Advising Award. He has been nominated for the Excellence in Teaching and Advising Awards numerous times.

Dr. Abebe has also serves his community as a leader of various organizations dedicated to racial and social justice. He is on the International Committee of the Metropolitan YMCA (now YMCA of Greater Twin Cities), co-founded and later chaired Ethiopians in Minnesota, where he proudly served Ethiopian refugees for 23 years. He founded and served as a board member and trustee of Global Citizens Network – an organization which has sent over 2,000 volunteers to villages in 20 countries around the globe. He joined the first "Voices of Ethiopia" program on KFAI Fresh Air Radio, and served as a board member for many non-profit organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. In 2005, at a celebration of Hamline University’s 150th anniversary, he was honored and recognized as one of the “One Hundred and Fifty Lives that Make a Difference” for his life’s work.

Dr. Abebe has been, and continues to be, a mentor, leader, supporter, and friend to all faculty, staff, and students at Metropolitan State. His actions and words will continue to influence and inspire the mission of diversity, social justice, equality, and inclusion for years to come.

The IFO Multicultural Issues Committee addresses matters of concern for faculty of color, American Indian faculty, religious minority faculty, and immigrant faculty regarding racial justice, equity, and inclusion. The IFO is a union that takes professional responsibility for excellent, accessible, and inclusive public higher education in Minnesota and beyond. The IFO represents the interests, welfare, and aspirations of all faculty of the seven state universities of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system through collective bargaining, contract enforcement, and advocacy.