Planning is underway for a new LGBTQIA+ Steering Committee that will lead efforts to support equality, inclusion, and civil-rights protections across the University community.

During an event Oct. 25, Clyde Wilson Pickett, vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion, announced that Todd Reeser of the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences and Angie Bedford-Jack of OEDI have been asked to serve as the first co-chairs of the new committee, which will provide advice and counsel to Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel and senior administrators.

The LGBTQIA+ Steering Committee will organize a central advisory board of faculty, staff, and students to share, report, learn, and assess opportunities to improve the climate and culture at the University of Pittsburgh for the community, Pickett said.

“While the University is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, we know there remains significant work to be done,” he said. “We are hopeful that through the work of this committee we can make more substantive progress to realize the promise of Pitt for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Reeser is associate dean for faculty affairs and a professor of French and Italian who has a secondary appointment in the Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies Program. Bedford-Jack is interim director of strategic operations in OEDI and director of digital equity and special projects.

Pickett said the co-chairs have been tasked with pulling together a committee that represents LGBTQIA+ members of every constituency on campus, including faculty, staff, alumni, and undergraduate and graduate students. Meetings are currently being scheduled with departments, offices, and units, he said.