University of South Dakota

Following the death of George Flyod, the University President released a letter on racism. The letter asks "How can the country we love so dearly still be struggling with racism and inequality?" and states "It is incomprehensible to think there are still those who believe that a human being should be treated differently based on race, ethnicity, gender or any other differences to one’s own... Yet it continues." The statement concludes, "Our university will not ignore the fear and pain caused by racism. We acknowledge the pain of the Black community."

The University of South Dakota’s "Inclusive Science Initiative," provides "high-quality training in the sciences to undergraduates from non-traditional backgrounds" especially to historically underrepresented minorities. The program's research projects include "Exploring Cultural Awareness: Whiteness."

One episode of the podcast, titled "Exploring the History of Social Justice", featured the director of the Center for Diversity and Community, who said, "[Racism is] built into the laws, and policies and practices of our institutions. And often these laws and policies are racially neutral–so we make look at it, we may read the policy, we may be aware of it–but we don’t take into account how it is disproportionally impacting minority communities.”

Another episode of the university's podcast discussed "critical social justice theory...and implicit bias."

"The University of South Dakota’s podcast, Credit Hour, interviewed an assistant professor in the USD School of Education, Dyanis Popova, Ph.D., as part of its ongoing series, “Voices Amplified,” exploring issues involving race such as critical social justice theory, the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and implicit bias."

The University offers "The Leaders of Social Change Living Learning Community," where students may "find a space that encourages student leaders to examine how service, civic engagement, social justice, and community empowerment impact peace and equity."

University president stated, "We strive to make excellence inclusive through... Embedding diversity, equity and inclusiveness in all facets of the university..."

Following the executive order signed by the Governor banning federal grants tied to critical race theory, the Board of Regents launched the new “Opportunity for All” plan in August 2021 to broaden campus objectives to not solely be focused on racial and diversity issues.

Following the Janurary 1, 2022 deadline for all South Dakota state universities to create “Opportunity Centers,” the University of South Dakota “removed all of the decorations and signage from its existing Center for Diversity and Community. The space has been renamed to the Office of Multicultural Affairs and converted to a general gathering area with offices that any student organization can sign up to use. An office space across the hall will act as the physical location for the Opportunity Center.”

In 2018, the School of Health Sciences’ Committee on Diversity, Inclusivity, and Cultural Awareness was awarded for "its commitment to enriching the work of the health sciences school regarding inclusiveness in recruitment, course materials, and school events."