What Do We Mean by Equity, Diversity and Inclusion?
A diverse, equitable and inclusive campus environment is a collective responsibility. The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is dedicated to equity by being a diversity and inclusion champion that exemplifies an unyielding commitment to a positive, enriching campus experience for all students, faculty, and staff. As a result, in August 2017, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council (EDIC) was formed to serve as an educative and advisory group to the Office of the President. EDIC started with 24 members and has now grown to 46, which includes faculty, staff and students from different racial/ethnic, social status, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, veteran status and religions that reflect the diversity within the university community, as well as advocates for those groups.
Our definition of diversity includes race, color, nationality, ideology, ethnicity, class, religion, disability, veteran status, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. We also know that a diversity of ideas, approaches, disciplines and learning are essential to inclusion and equity. The integration of multiple cultural values and perspectives into what we do at all levels, from teaching to decision-making, is critical. To accomplish this, we must create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all members of our community, and we must ensure that our organizational structures support and reflect the ideals of this work. This focus is not the work of any one individual or office; it is the work of all of us. In this spirit, our mission is to encourage a campus-wide climate of respect, openness, and awareness that celebrates and values every person.
EDIC MISSION
The mission of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council (EDIC) of USI is to identify, understand, act upon and evaluate initiatives and opportunities to promote inclusion for representation, involvement, and empowerment of diverse communities across campus.
EDIC VISION
The vision of EDIC is to create an equitable environment where all can challenge thought and practice while embracing each other in our unique individualities to produce representation, involvement, and empowerment of all communities across campus.