The MSU College of Social Science’s Diversity Matters monthly newsletters highlight our College’s engagement with our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Dr. Nwando Achebe describes that each month’s focus is “guided by a Diversity Awareness Calendar” and “profiles the celebration of specific groups, cultures, and causes that reflect our diversity.” Each month, the College highlights a faculty or staff member Diversity Champion, a student Diversity Torch, and an alumni Diversity Spotlight. A list of resources also accompanies the monthly themes.

This month, Diversity Matters recognizes “Universal Human Rights Month,” which commemorates the inalienable rights of human beings. For their work on human rights, Department of Anthropology faculty member Dr. Monir Moniruzzaman is the featured Diversity Champion, Anthropology PhD student Mr. Juan Carlos Rico Noguera is the featured Diversity Torch, and Anthropology alumna Ms. Karen Phillippi is featured in the Diversity Spotlight.

Diversity Champion: Dr. Monir Moniruzzaman               

“Dr. Monir Moniruzzaman is an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology at the Michigan State University College of Social Science. His research examines human organ trafficking within the black market, and how to combat this human rights violation. Community-Academic Innovation and Dissemination (Community-AID) lab, which studies ways to support the success and well-being of families and youth of all backgrounds…” Click here to read more

Diversity Torch: Mr. Juan Carlos Rico Noguera

“Juan Carlos Rico Noguera is a PhD student within the Department of Anthropology at the Michigan State University College of Social Science. Born in Colombia, Juan’s research focuses on the Colombia Truth Commission (CTC), which gathers information and data to shine a light on human rights violations committed during the nation’s violent past…” Click here to read more

Diversity Spotlight: Ms. Karen Phillippi

“Karen Phillippi graduated from the Michigan State University College of Social Science in 1992 with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Women’s Studies. Since then, she has had a celebrated career in immigration law and is now the Director of New American Integration with the Office of Global Michigan. There, Karen supports integration at the state level by striving to remove or minimize barriers immigrants and refugees may face when trying to successfully transition to American life…” Click here to read more

Visit the College of Social Science Diversity Matters webpage at socialscience.msu.edu/diversity/