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The importance of universities like GMercyU promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work / events on campus prepares students for real-world scenarios in the workforce, such as how to navigate workplace bias and collaborate with diverse teams. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives help students become aware of disparities within the world and become comfortable with cultures outside their own. These efforts also foster an inclusive environment where all feel included, respected, and equal, no matter where their origin.
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– Noelle Santana’ 28
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is an important part of the doctoral courses I teach, which enables our students to spread Mercy values in their professional and personal lives. Being a part of actualizing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion best practices into all aspects of GMercyU enables me to practice what I preach, live the Mercy mission, and support my personal values.
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– Peggy Kerr, EdD Assistant Professor, Doctorate in Education Program, Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Concentration
DEFINITIONS
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)
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.)
MINORITIZED: Refers to members of the student body, faculty, staff, administration, parents, trustees, alumni and guests who endure mistreatment, and face prejudices that are enforced upon them because of situations and characteristics outside of their control. These may include race, religion / spirituality / faith, ethnicity, ability, national origin, immigration status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, social class / socioeconomic status and language.( This list is not exhaustive.)
RADICAL MERCY: An assertive disposition that places Respect, Integrity, Service, and Social Justice in a Diverse World as central to one’ s lifestyle and choices, especially as related to members of the GMercyU Community.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: The work to eliminate historic and systemic oppression and to build systems and cultures of human dignity where rights, accountability, equity, inclusion and access to the common good create conditions for people and communities to realize their full potential.( University of Dayton Ohio, n. d.)