The Seaver College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
The Seaver College DEI Committee is comprised of:
- Ed Mosteig, Professor of Mathematics and DEI Committee Chair
- Heather Tarleton, Professor of Health & Human Sciences & Associate Dean for DEI
- Kat Weaver, Associate Provost for Research & Professional Development
- Mandy Korpusik, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
- Kristen LeFalle Sampson, Senior Administrative Coordinator
- Barbara Marino, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- NaKesha Mayfield, Executive Assistant to the Dean
- Carl Urbinati, Associate Professor of Biology
- Brianne Zapata, Laboratory Support Associate and Class of 2013
To span the breadth of what it means to be recognized as an inclusive culture, we must first define:
Diversity
Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality, age, (dis)ability, military/veteran status, political perspective, and associational preferences.
Inclusion
Inclusion refers to a campus community where all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and can participate and achieve to their potential. While diversity is essential, it is not sufficient. An institution can be both diverse and non-inclusive at the same time, thus a sustained practice of creating inclusive environments is necessary for success.
Equity
Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive. Equity is different than equality in that equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are the same. Being equitable means acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities — historic and current — that advantage some and disadvantage others. Equal treatment results in equity only if everyone starts with equal access to opportunities.