DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Ed Fierros, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, talks to a student.

Diversity celebrates difference—of race, gender, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, political beliefs, religious tradition and more. Inclusion promotes a sense of belonging that empowers others—valuing and practicing respect for the talents, beliefs and backgrounds of all its members. And equity engages everyone—allowing people with marginalized identities an equal opportunity to grow, contribute and develop.

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) includes a set of interrelated goals embedded in the University’s Augustinian mission and realized in three primary areas—first, the diversity of our students, staff, faculty and administration; second, the environment we cultivate by inviting others to be a real part of our community; and third, the courses, programs and professional opportunities we offer that provide the students, staff, faculty and administration an intercultural experience. Further, the College is committed to anti-racism, the policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial acceptance.

Commitment to DEI

Core curriculum diversity requirement

Consistent with the University’s Mission Statement and the new Core Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students will take at least two courses designated as “diversity.” Learning to see through the eyes of other peoples and cultures is essential to becoming a citizen of the world. Beyond introducing students to the contextual study of diverse groups, diversity education must foster understanding of how individuals are affected within systems of power, oppression, deprivation, marginalization and privilege.

Academic programs

The College has several undergraduate and graduate degree programs relevant to DEI.

Global Interdisciplinary Studies
- Africana Studies
- Arab Studies
- Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Irish Studies
- Russian Area Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Peace and Justice
- Gender and Women's Studies
Graduate Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

DEI Committees

In addition to the College's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, each department within the college has its own diversity committee, comprising of faculty, staff and students.

View the Department DEI committee chairs.

REPORT A CLIMATE CONCERN

CLAS Diversity, Equity Inclusion Committee

The College DEI committee's mission is to ensure a diverse, equitable, culturally conscious and inclusive environment among our administration, faculty, staff, and students. In our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion we evaluate, hold accountable, and serve as a resource for college departmental Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees. We aspire to be a voice for all members of CLAS to foster active dialogue and initiatives that promote the University’s commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE

RESEARCHING BUMBLEBEE PARASITES

Biology student Sarah Lockett ’25 CLAS has gotten a bit attached to parasites—in the research lab that is, alongside faculty member Megan Povelones, PhD. Sarah’s research project is evaluating the impact a bumblebee’s pollen diet has on a prevalent parasite Crithidia bombi. The results of her research could help us better understand the connection between pathogen transmission and survival in different floral resources. At Villanova, Sarah participates in multiple organizations, including Back on my Feet, The Center for Access, Success and Achievement, and intramural basketball. After graduating, she plans to pursue medical school.

UNCOVERING LOST LITERATURE

With the help of student researchers, English professor Jean Lutes, PhD, has been recovering a lost short story collection by Black educator and racial justice advocate Alice Dunbar-Nelson. The work has evolved into The ’Steenth Street Project, and the short stories are based on Dunbar-Nelson’s experiences teaching Black kindergarteners at the White Rose Mission in New York City. Dr. Lutes and the project co-founders—Brigitte Fielder, PhD, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Denise Burgher, doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware—are collaborating with the School District of Philadelphia to bring these stories to schools. “Our goal is to produce a widely accessible digital edition along with curriculum resources."

STUDYING SOCIAL POLICY

Danielle Gadson, PhD, assistant professor of Public Administration, is a medical sociologist; diversity, education and inclusion educator; and public administrator. She studies efforts to reduce health disparities in the US and evaluates the influence social factors—such as race, socioeconomic status and neighborhood characteristics—have on addressing these disparities among medically vulnerable populations. “Studying the success and failures of social policy and politics can be discouraging at times, but the enthusiasm and commitment to public service that my public administration students bring to class gives me renewed hope in the power of good governance and effective leadership.”