Lillian Charleston spent her career working for affirmative action progress. Prior to joining IU Indianapolis, she led desegregation efforts at Crispus Attucks High School in the 1970s. In the 1980s, she held several administrative positions at IU Indianapolis, including student activities officer, assistant to the dean for student services, coordinator of student research, and assistant director for the Center for Urban and Multicultural Education. In 1988, she became Affirmative Action Officer for the IU Indianapolis campus. Charleston's duties included overseeing efforts to improve conditions for women and minorities and investigating discrimination charges on campus. Charleston retired in 2008.
Besides her efforts on behalf of IU Indianapolis, Charleston has served as an officer and board member of several affirmative action groups, including American Association of Affirmative Action and the Indiana Industry Liaison Group. She has also served as a board member of numerous local organizations, including the Metropolitan Development Commission, the Indianapolis Urban League, the Indianapolis Chapter of Big Sisters of Greater Indianapolis, and the Association for Loan Free Education. The IU Indianapolis Lillian Charleston Crispus Attucks Scholarship is named in her honor.
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