William Peace University is creating an atmosphere dedicated to spreading diversity, promoting inclusion, and bringing people from all backgrounds together on campus. They are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the community.
Valuing its people and community, the university is open to people of all backgrounds, building on a perspective to work and learn as one in an open dialogue that takes place in a respectful environment. WPU focuses on diversity, which includes people who have range in philosophical and societal perspectives, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion was created at WPU in effort to further develop the campus’ ability to grow inclusively and make its environment more welcoming to all. The university welcomes, expects, and encourages the continued pursuit to what is necessary in building an inclusive community.
According to their website, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s mission is “to provide Support, Advocacy, Training, Education, and Community building programs to the WPU students, faculty, and staff. The office of the Diversity and Inclusion seeks to provide opportunities to individuals who seek awareness that is multicultural, cultural competency, inclusive in leadership training and has a great capacity for equity and celebration of diversity”.
They have a programmatic focus that is centered on the needs and topics that relate to minority students including: LGBTQA, first generation, women, international, African American, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and more.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers training, programs, and engaging events that strengthen the university’s inclusive campus, and engage members of the Peace community. Through these opportunities, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion serves as a place for support and affirmation of the Diversity in the WPU student body. They also provide faculty and staff with knowledge, understanding, tools, and the language to effectively engage a campus that is multicultural.
They also offer services that provides support and advocacy, celebrates difference and community building through programs including Ally Week, LGBT history month, and Unity festivals. The Diversity and Inclusion office also offers training and education through the Diversity and Inclusion committee that is chaired by the Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
Ms. Stephanie Reed, Director of the Diversity and Inclusion, believes that Diversity and Inclusion are important to include on campus as they are part of the university values and that they connect to the overall university mission and strategic plan. For future development, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion plans to add a graduate intern and Deep (Diversity Educators Engaging PEACE) as a future program.
“As a university it is our hope to offer co-curricular programs where we connect the historical context of our society to present day,” says Reed.
For more information in reference to the WPU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion
https://www.peace.edu/student-life/diversity-inclusion/