Throughout her four years at UMass Chan, Duncan has focused on affirming that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not merely add-ons for the university, but foundational tenets on which it educates, delivers care, and conducts research. A leader in not only implementation, but the creation of DEI principles and initiatives, Duncan was tasked in March with assembling the school’s Advancing DEI Working Group. The group, created following threats from the federal government to cut funding to universities sticking with their DEI commitments, will work to navigate federal regulations, U.S. and state laws, and the school’s mission.
Building off of UMass Chan’s IMPACT 2025 strategic plan, that included DEI by her influence, Duncan has implemented restorative justice practices into its model of community engagement: a structure of justice centering the interpersonal relationship between offenders and victims in an attempt to heal and move forward. The school has conducted more than 30 restorative justice workshops with more than 250 participants. Since put into practice, Duncan reports the school’s restorative justice for practices have proven vital during social crises, implementing community agreements, and fostering trust.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
