As a Department and as individuals within the Department, we are guided by the Loyola Marymount University Mission which calls us to the encouragement of learning, education of the whole person, and the service of faith and promotion of justice. Consistent with the idea of cura personalis, which St. Ignatius of Loyola required for those charged with the work of “caring for souls,” we acknowledge the need to create and maintain an environment in which all persons…
- …. in the diversity of their backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and identities, are able to bring their full selves into the Department with authenticity and integrity, and treated with care, dignity, and respect; (DIVERSITY)
- …have the opportunity to succeed academically with accessible departmental resources, opportunities, and support that are offered equitably with respect to race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, religion, political perspectives, and other demographic factors, and; (EQUITY)
- …are able to thrive as whole persons and to participate fully in the life of the Department. (INCLUSION)
As a Department, we stand against racism and systemic oppression in all its forms.
We are guided by our role as social scientists and by empirical evidence that clearly demonstrates that racism, prejudice, and discrimination are real (Goff et al., 2008). We acknowledge that these injustices are not new and have roots that are woven into the creation and fabric of this country. We further recognize that inequities have far-reaching consequences and result in the dehumanization of, denial of resources to, and sanctioned violence against people, especially those of African ancestry in the U.S. and across the world.
As a Department, we stand for social transformation and change
As social scientists, we also know that there is hope. Attitudes can change and systems can change. Strategies, including those informed by our discipline, exist to combat prejudice at both individual and structural levels (Aberson, 2007; Bagci et al., 2018; Neblett, 2019; Paluck & Green, 2009). Institutional commitment to diversity can decrease the negative effects of discrimination in students (Hussain & Jones, 2019). As a Department, we are a community that, following the 2020 global reckoning with racial justice, expressed our clear support and solidarity with our Black colleagues, students, and staff to create a safer, more just society. We also recognize the diversity within our department that extends beyond race/ethnicity and are committed to creating a department in which all are welcome, and able to succeed, grow, and thrive as a community. But we also realize that change will require effort and intentionality and must be grounded in the experience and needs of those most impacted.
As a Department, we know that this change requires our continual attention and engagement, including:
- looking inward to identify, understand, and monitor the ways we create, are part of, and benefit from unearned privilege and a system that disenfranchises and brutalizes minoritized people, especially Black people;
- better partnering with students and communities of color to create educational opportunities that are centered in diverse experiences and viewpoints and that offer real chances for social change;
- disseminating and encouraging the continued development of scholarship that targets issues of social justice, particularly focusing on experiences and consequences of race-based trauma; strength-based resiliency models of coping; and factors that promote active anti-racism attitudes and actions;
- focusing on approaches to systems change that are based in community experiences, that are preventative and that are protective in nature (Wolff, 2014); and;
- encouraging and supporting self-care for this work, for example, by seeking social support, practicing kindness, doing aerobic exercise, meditating, and engaging in faith/spiritual practices (Bolier et al., 2013; Chida et al., 2009; Grant et al., 2009; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Philippot & Segal, 2009).
We acknowledge that while this road is never-ending, the shared journey and commitment is of critical importance. Together, we strive to effect meaningful change within ourselves and our department to contribute to a more just and humane society and world.
Note: The information and resources contained here may not represent all possible DEI issues or content. We welcome your feedback about, and contributions to, these resources and work towards diversity, equity and inclusion.