Casey Bufford (Kelley, ‘20) started a Change.org petition to encourage action and improvement in the MBA Curriculum and environment at her MBA program. Within days, she recorded over 2500 signatures, and shortly thereafter, the Kelley MBA program responded with a series of actions and future tactics they would implement based on Bufford’s petition. In this interview, Bufford shared the motivation for her petition, the positive response of the Kelley community, and what she hopes will change to create an ever greater sense of inclusivity and community at Kelley.
MBASchooled: What prompted you to take action?
The murder of George Floyd inspired me to take action. I protested in Chicago. I posted on social media. I donated to many non-profits but it didn’t feel like it was enough. I wanted to take action in my community and knew there were opportunities within Kelley to bring about change.
MBASchooled: When you first started this initiative, what did you think was going to happen?
I didn’t know what was going to happen, to be honest. My goal was to get the attention of the MBA administration so that conversations around curriculum/diversity/inclusion could happen. I didn’t want to be the only voice of change, which is why I created a petition. I wanted my peers, alum, etc. to join me in asking for a more inclusive curriculum. I wanted change now but I am aware of how long change can happen.
MBASchooled: How did you come up with the recommendations?
During my time as a student, I previously asked the administration about the inclusion of diverse cases but didn’t feel like I received an adequate response. The curriculum is one area of any MBA program where all students are engaged and I knew including something in the curriculum would yield longer-lasting changes (vs. a one-off program). That was the basis on the recommendation.
As part of my engagement with the administration, I was also aware of the lack of research focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst our faculty and suggested we bring someone on who did have experience within these subjects. Lastly, I felt that it was important for the staff to go through training–if we are going to ask students to be well-rounded, inclusive leaders, we should expect the same of staff members.
MBASchooled: What was the response like from your classmates and colleagues? How did they help/support your work?
The response from my classmates was 100% supportive. They were on board immediately and helped disseminate the petition on their platforms. A few recent alum (Whitney Hamilton, Angela Dallas, Mara McLaurin, Antonia Collins, Akim Coichy) also helped to engage current faculty to help them understand the genesis of the petition and the meaning behind the specific asks.
MBASchooled: When did you find out about the response to your petition from the Kelley Administration? How did you feel?
I found out a week after the petition was posted and was very pleased with the response. The administration agreed to all terms and included additional efforts, like setting up consistent meetings with current students of color. I was proud that we were able to make an impact during such challenging times. I was proud that Kelley was creating a more inclusive environment for current and future students.
MBASchooled: While you have graduated, many of the reforms and improvements will happen after you are gone. What else do you hope to see in the future, now as an alum?
I’d love to see a school-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan that focuses on everything from staffing to curriculum to programming. I hope to see further engagement with alum of color. I’d love to see more efforts to invite speakers of colors.
MBASchooled: Other MBA students at other programs may have the desire to do similar things as what you have done at Kelley. What advice do you have to those students?
I would say continue to speak out. I went to the townhall meetings, small group meetings, etc. before creating the petition to make my voice known so it was probably no surprise to the administration that I was leading such efforts. I encourage students to get involved and make sure they show up and speak out when they have a chance.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for future MBA students at Kelley? How can they continue to build off of the work that you’ve put forward?
Hold schools accountable. We have, in writing, what they have agreed to implement so when looking at Kelley, or any other MBA program, don’t be afraid to ask questions about diverse and inclusive learning opportunities within the curriculum.