Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Diversity Statement

As educators and practitioners, it is essential to be exposed to views and cultures in addition to our own and to have our opinions and assumptions challenged as an integral component of our curriculum. Such engagement expands our horizons, enables understanding across differences, prevents complacency and promotes intellectual breadth.

At the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, we recognize the foundational racialization of our society and intersectional identities. We continue to advance toward our goal to fully welcome and provide a sense of belonging to all members of our community.

We seek to address the harm caused to members of all marginalized social groups including but not limited to: socio-economic status, gender and gender presentation, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, students, faculty and staff from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Understanding the collective power inherent in fully inclusive communities, we work toward eliminating various forms of privilege and centering the voices and leadership of the members of our community who have been previously excluded.

We work to include community members on and off campus in service and support towards the elimination of the social, economic and political boundaries that have historically been established and which continue to contribute toward healthcare and educational disparities.

We believe the perspectives, knowledge, expertise, and experiences brought by members from diverse groups are critical for enhancing the quality of our curriculum through teaching, research, the well-being of our community and the impact of our service to our local and global communities.