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.

READ THE ANTI-RACISM COMMITMENT (VU login required)

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

"BLACK DIGNITY"

Looking to the Black Lives Matter movement, "Black Dignity," a new book from Vincent Lloyd, PhD, professor of Theology and Religious Studies and director of the Center for Political Theology, aims to re-orient the way readers envision the concept of dignity. MORE...

NEW MINOR IS DISABILITY STUDIES

CLAS’ new minor in Disability and Deaf Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary body of knowledge that will enable them to explore disability and Deafness through historical, educational, social, philosophical, political and cultural lenses. MORE...

STUDENT EARNS HISPANIC HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month in October, INROADS, a nonprofit organization that creates career pathways for ethnically underrepresented high school and college students nationwide, awarded 20 scholarships to Latino students across the nation—including Economics and English double major Steve Makino ’24 CLAS. MORE...