Providing Safe Places

Entering her second year at MSU Moorhead, Erienne Fawcett is passionate about her work as the coordinator of gender and sexuality in the university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

As an undergraduate student studying communications, Erienne says, “I had no idea about feminism at the time, although I was living feminist principles. I think Dr. Burnett (her communications professor) saw feminism and advocacy in me. All I knew was that women were shamed for something men were revered for.”

The Power of Resources

Her role includes supervising two of four MSUM identity centers: the Women’s Center and the Rainbow Dragon Center. Other campus centers include the American Indian Center and the Intercultural Center, all designed to be safe places for students. Connecting with students or anyone who uses these resources is an important part of her position.

“It’s important for students to know these spaces exist. They are innovative, always changing, and we’re always learning. I want to offer support wherever and however I can,” she says.

Erienne is drawn to helping students because she knows one great mentor can impact your life.

“I rely on doing my best to make students feel seen and heard and to empower them and keep rolling with the changes that come from supporting them,” she said.

MSUM has over 100 student organizations – 17 of which focus on diversity and social justice. These student-run organizations connect students with similar interests, majors, and hobbies to unite and learn more about each other.

Some of MSUM’s diversity and social justice organizations include African Student Union, American Indian Student Association, Association for Latino Achievement and Success, Campus Feminist Organization, Diversity Dance Crew, El Club de Español, International Student Organization, Nepali Student Association and more. Explore all of MSUM’s diversity and social justice organizations on Dragon Central.

Erienne and her team of students work hard at making the Women’s Center and Rainbow Dragon Center inviting, supportive and educational. These spaces were created for students to have an area to feel safe, relax, do homework, or talk to someone. The facilities are stocked with menstrual products, contraceptives, and other materials for students to use.

Erienne has a diverse team of students who are involved in important decisions and voice their opinions.

“I cannot emphasize enough that getting involved is extremely important to your health and wellness as a student. It makes you find your people and make friends,” she says.

The Women’s Center honors the voices, perspectives and leadership of women of all identities and empowers them to learn, grow and thrive in an educational environment. The center provides a safe and welcoming space for anyone on campus.

The Rainbow Dragon Center's mission is to create a community that is inclusive and accepting of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Open to anyone on campus, the center offers resources and a sense of belonging as well as advocacy and how to be an ally.

The George Soule American Indian Center is a welcoming environment for anyone on campus that celebrates American Indian contributions. The American Indian Student Association is a student-run organization that meets weekly to support and improve MSUM opportunities for students.

The Intercultural Center provides a space to engage in conversations about international and local diversity and for students to develop and evolve their perspective and understanding of their peers.

“The more we tell our stories, the more we come out, the more people recognize that they have a lot of people they love and care about. If someone is telling you something about their identity, listen. They are coming to you for a reason; that is an incredible moment of knowing someone really trusts you,” Erienne says.

Learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at MSUM.