DEFINITIONS
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To me , DEI means that everyone is able to feel not just tolerated , but truly accepted and welcomed . I believe this is critical , as everyone deserves to feel safe and loved , and I appreciate that the University makes the effort to accomplish this .
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– Natasha Halovanic ’ 24
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I have worked to unlearn what I thought was the ‘ right ’ way to create an inclusive classroom experience by ensuring equality to everyone in the room . I now know that to create an inclusive environment , I need to create equity by being aware of the life experiences students bring with them so they feel this is a space where they are valued and can be successful .
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– Maria Warnick , MSN , CRNP Assistant Professor , Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs , Francis Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions
ANTI-RACISM : The active process of identifying , challenging , and confronting racism . This active process requires confronting systems , organizational structures , policies , practices , behaviors , and attitudes . This active process should seek to redistribute power in an effort to foster equitable outcomes ( National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education , 2021 )
CRITICAL CONCERNS OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY : The Sisters of Mercy were founded out of a deep concern for the needs of persons who are poor . Today , we focus our ministry on those needs identified through our “ critical concerns .” We address these concerns through prayer ; our own communal life as a religious congregation ; education ; advocacy with legislators and other leaders ; and corporate engagement . The five critical concerns include that of : earth , immigration , non-violence , racism , and woman ( Sisters of Mercy , 2021 )
CULTURAL HUMILITY : Desire and ability to maintain an other-oriented interpersonal stance in relation to features of cultural identity that are important to others . ( Hook et al ., 2013 )
DACA : Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ). A policy allowing that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years , subject to renewal . ( U . S . Citizenship and Immigration Services , 2021 )
DIVERSITY : The presence , recognition and engagement of people with individual differences ( e . g ., personality , prior knowledge , and life experiences ) and group / social differences ( e . g ., race / ethnicity , class , gender , sexual orientation , country of origin , and ability as well as cultural , political , religious , or other affiliations ) ( Association of American Colleges & Universities , n . d .)
EQUITY : A process of modifying structures and practices that have intentionally or unintentionally advantaged or disadvantaged groups of people ; it is a process that responds to unjust structural outcomes to create laws , policies , practices and traditions that support just outcomes for all . ( University of Dayton Ohio , n . d .)
INCLUSION : A process and practice of active , intentional and sustained engagement of each person in the community that values and respects their perspectives , multiple identities , experiences and contributions . ( University of Dayton Ohio , n . d .)
INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE : Recognizes that diversity , equity and inclusion are fundamental to academic and institutional excellence . Inclusive excellence requires a comprehensive , cohesive and collaborative alignment of infrastructure , resources and actions . ( Association of American Colleges & Universities , n . d .)
INCLUSIVE-FOCUSED COURSE : While many courses include diversity , equity , and inclusion topics , an inclusive-focused course has diversity , equity , and inclusion as an overarching theme . This is clearly evident in the course description and learning objectives of the course .