Stephanie Spitz Leads the Change: Advancing Equity and Inclusivity at Montclair State University

The Department of Art and Design at Montclair State University has long been known for its dedication to cultivating artistic excellence in students. However, beyond the classroom, faculty and staff are actively pushing boundaries to address issues of equity and inclusivity that impact the broader campus community. One shining example of this commitment is the work of Stephanie Spitz, the Department Administrator for Art and Design. With a steadfast dedication to social justice, Stephanie has focused her efforts on topics often overlooked in academic settings, including weight discrimination, disability pride, and the intersectionality of identities.

Stephanie, who has served the department for eight years and is an alumna with an MFA in Studio Art, has taken her advocacy a step further as a current graduate student in the MA Higher Education program. Her initiatives not only reflect a passion for these issues but also the university’s mission to foster an inclusive environment.

In July, Stephanie presented her research, “Weight Discrimination in Higher Education,” to Montclair’s Student Development and Campus Life leadership team. The presentation examined the deep-rooted history of anti-fatness, including its links to systemic racism, and how these biases permeate higher education environments. Highlighting specific ways in which weight discrimination affects students and staff, she offered actionable strategies to cultivate a culture of belonging at Montclair.

This groundbreaking research caught the attention of President Jonathan Koppell, who personally forwarded Stephanie’s work to Ashante Connor, the Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and Special Advisor to the President. This collaboration has set the stage for workshops aimed at addressing weight bias on campus and implementing Stephanie’s recommendations across the university.

As part of her work, Stephanie led two critical training sessions for the Office for Social Justice and Diversity’s Student Assistants. The first session, “Preventing Weight Discrimination,” encouraged student assistants to approach the subject with compassion, dispelling harmful myths about weight, health, race, and morality. The second training focused on “Disability Pride,” educating students on the rights provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and guiding them on using inclusive language.

Stephanie’s approach ensures that students who work directly with the university community are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support a diverse student body. Her efforts emphasize the importance of not only understanding the legal aspects of disability but also recognizing the lived experiences of disabled individuals.

Stephanie is also committed to promoting mental health awareness among first-year students. This fall, she began delivering mental health lectures that underscore the significance of mental well-being in students’ academic journeys. As part of these lectures, students are invited to participate in the College of the Arts (CART) Mental Health Poster Competition. This initiative encourages students to submit designs that advocate for mental health and positive messaging, combining their artistic skills with a message of support for their peers.

One of the most significant milestones achieved by Stephanie was organizing Montclair State University’s first-ever Disability History and Awareness Month Flag Raising on October 1, 2024. This event, held in collaboration with LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrated the intersectionality between LGBTQ+ and Disabled communities. Through activities like button-making and student-led crafts, Stephanie created an interactive space where students and staff engaged in conversations about identity and advocacy.

The event was not only a celebration of individual contributions to society but also a historic moment for the university. This year, Montclair State officially declared October as both LGBTQ+ History Month and Disability History and Awareness Month—a testament to Stephanie’s work and the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Stephanie’s initiatives are transforming the Montclair State University campus, leaving a lasting impact on students, faculty, and staff. Through her research, training sessions, and public events, she is fostering a sense of belonging and healing for the entire community. Reflecting on her work, Stephanie shares, “Doing the work of social justice is not easy, but seeing these results will be healing for so many students for years to come. I’m so grateful for all my mentors and collaborators on-campus who supported me and gave me the opportunities to present my work.”

Stephanie’s story is just one example of the dedication shown by the faculty and staff at Montclair’s Department of Art and Design. By addressing complex issues and championing inclusivity, she and her colleagues are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future at Montclair State University.

For more information about Stephanie Spitz, please visit, www.stephaniespitz.com.