Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Celebrate/é

“Celebrate/é” means an opportunity to put our voices out there, showcase our cultures and experiences, and tell our stories from our own perspectives. We need to celebrate each other, celebrate ourselves, and celebrate our campus diversity as a community.

Announcements

Sep
16

Leading with Equity

Friday Forums on Racism in Higher Education are back for a second season. Learn how to intentionally practice equity in your workplace, classroom, and community on September 24.

Sep
8

IntersectX12

We are excited to announce IntersectX12: A new brand, initiative, and way of thinking about all the many nationally recognized months, weeks, and days intended to honor and celebrate various heritages and identities.

Sep
1

Reframing the Conversation returns

Reframing the Conversation from Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) returns for the 2021-2022 academic year! Join for timely, critical monthly conversations with experts from across Utah.

See All Announcements

National Conversations

Sep
22

Celebrate/é

“Celebrate/é” means an opportunity to put our voices out there, showcase our cultures and experiences, and tell our stories from our own perspectives. We need to celebrate each other, celebrate ourselves, and celebrate our campus diversity as a community.

Aug
18

The power of community

It is with a renewed sense of joy that we welcome all of you back onto our physical campus, into classrooms and gathering spaces, and invite you to join in our community both in-person and at a distance.

Aug
13

Critical conversations

The Anti-Racism Committee recommends and evaluates measures to ensure that everyone enjoys a campus free of racism and hate. Co-Chair Bryan Hubain shares the Committee's priorities for the upcoming year and how you can join in this effort.

See All National Conversations

All Stories

Announcements MEDiversity MLK National Conversations Pow Wow Pride Student Perspectives U Remembers Women's Week

see all stories

Sep 22, 2021

Celebrate/é

“Celebrate/é” means an opportunity to put our voices out there, showcase our cultures and experiences, and tell our stories from our own perspectives. We need to celebrate each other, celebrate ourselves, and celebrate our campus diversity as a community.

Sep 16, 2021

Leading with Equity

Friday Forums on Racism in Higher Education are back for a second season. Learn how to intentionally practice equity in your workplace, classroom, and community on September 24.

Sep 8, 2021

IntersectX12

We are excited to announce IntersectX12: A new brand, initiative, and way of thinking about all the many nationally recognized months, weeks, and days intended to honor and celebrate various heritages and identities.

Sep 1, 2021

Reframing the Conversation returns

Reframing the Conversation from Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) returns for the 2021-2022 academic year! Join for timely, critical monthly conversations with experts from across Utah.

Aug 25, 2021

Exchanging ideas

The Presidential Commission on the Status of Women provides leadership and expertise to the University of Utah community in promoting women in their various roles and activities and serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas within the university.

Aug 18, 2021

The power of community

It is with a renewed sense of joy that we welcome all of you back onto our physical campus, into classrooms and gathering spaces, and invite you to join in our community both in-person and at a distance.

Aug 13, 2021

Critical conversations

The Anti-Racism Committee recommends and evaluates measures to ensure that everyone enjoys a campus free of racism and hate. Co-Chair Bryan Hubain shares the Committee’s priorities for the upcoming year and how you can join in this effort.

Aug 4, 2021

Center for Equity and Student Belonging

Center for Ethnic Student Affairs is rebranding and strategizing as they focus on serving the increasingly diverse student population at the U by becoming the Center for Equity and Student Belonging.

Jul 28, 2021

We’re hiring!

Do you have a passion for social justice? Do you consider yourself a champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion? If so, then we may have an opportunity for you!

Jul 21, 2021

Building in access

The Universal Design and Access Committee works to enhance university accessibility according to the principles of Universal Design in areas such as curriculum, built environment, technology and information, campus events, and workplace inclusivity.

Jul 14, 2021

Shared equity leadership

It takes the courage and dedication of many leaders, with diverse talents and strengths and united vision, to create a more equitable university environment. How could this type of distributed but collaborative leadership look?

Jul 6, 2021

A platform for EDI

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’s “One U Thriving Newsletter” will be the best way to keep updated on EDI. Learn from two folx behind the weekly newsletter on why they are rebranding and how to stay tuned with EDI.

Jun 30, 2021

Identity, affirmation, and belonging

We must continue to work towards implementing practices that honor students’ preferred names across campus offices and modes of communication.

Jun 10, 2021

Announcing Operation S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. stands for Students United to Create Cultural and Educational Success Stories, and the Black Cultural Center is looking for students who are ready to do just that!

May 19, 2021

Beyond a moment of solidarity

A year ago, people across the country moved to action when images of the death of George Floyd surfaced. Our work is not done.

May 7, 2021

Welcoming new growth

As we aspire to make our campus a space where everyone has the ability to achieve success, the Black Advisory Council will advise EDI and support the growth and climate of the Black community at the U.

Apr 26, 2021

Graduation gifts

As you move into the next chapter in your journey, I hope you will consider the experiences you’ve had at the University of Utah — the first graduation gift — and that it continues to nourish your transformation.

Apr 19, 2021

The relentless spirit of spring

We’re proud to present this collection of 2021 graduates and invite you to join us in celebration of the knowledge that they’re on their way to weathering life’s winter months together only to return stronger, sturdier, and more glorious.

Apr 15, 2021

Committing to never again

When it comes to being an effective ally, we must not remain silent, but challenge and change the narrative. Commit today to never remain silent in the face of bigotry and injustice.

Apr 13, 2021

White supremacy and antisemitism

Where do nationalism and nativist othering come into a discussion of antisemitism and Whiteness? Our panel of experts discussed how antisemitism is closely related to and emerges from various forms of othering.

Apr 9, 2021

What’s in a name?

Have you ever said something that unintentionally had a negative impact? Confront your racism, your participation in the legacies of settler colonialism – let it be the beginning of a deeper conversation, the opening of that door, a strengthening of us.

Apr 9, 2021

Parts of the whole

It’s impossible to fully understand the lives of individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community without also acknowledging the intricacies that race, gender, sexuality, ethnicities, class, religion, and other identities bring to a single person’s story.

Apr 4, 2021

Breaking the silence

“Breaking the Silence” aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and to inspire community members to combat the rise of antisemitism and White supremacy by moving from bystanders to active participants.

Mar 31, 2021

A space for joy

Vice President Villarreal reminds us of the revolutionary joy in celebrating all our intersecting identities.

Mar 26, 2021

Queer at the intersections

“Queer at the Intersections,” encourages everyone to contemplate LGBTQIA+ lives and issues through different intersections of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and class.

Mar 18, 2021

We will not let hate win

Please join us in naming, disrupting, and dismantling the anti-Asian hate on our campus, in our neighborhoods, and in our country.

Mar 17, 2021

Women who run

2020 marked yet another historic moment for more women running for office than any previous election. Panelists reflected on what inspired them to run for office, the challenges and successes they experienced in government, and how and why more women should run.

Mar 11, 2021

Not a One-Woman Show

Ruffin stressed the importance of women realizing their value, speaking out against inequities, and supporting each other.

Mar 5, 2021

Inspiring a movement

The Women’s Week 2021 theme “Inspiring a Movement” reflects the importance of role models in advancing women’s political leadership.

Mar 3, 2021

2021 Black Faculty + Staff Awardees

Congratulations to the 2021 Black Faculty and Staff Award recipients!

Feb 19, 2021

Charting a new path

The New Leadership Academy Fellows Program (NLA) is moving to the University of Utah! Our efforts are not only integrating into the fabric of One U, but essential to the U’s leadership as a top national research flagship university.

Feb 17, 2021

Black is not a monolith

Despite the vast array of cultural/ethnic backgrounds and lived experiences in the African diaspora, each Black person is united by how their brown skin is interpreted in America.

Feb 12, 2021

Transformative voices

Since co-founding the BCC, each of these transformative voices have continued to support and contribute to the success of students and community at the U and beyond.

Jan 28, 2021

Telling his story

As the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Week keynote speaker, Porter imparted viewers with the gift of having a deeper understanding of the man behind the legacy of “good trouble.”

Jan 22, 2021

Good trouble & the redline

The divisions of modern U.S. cities and de-facto segregation did not arise by accident. Our panelists examined what enabled redlining and pervasive environmental racism to shape our communities and what can be done to combat their effects.

Jan 18, 2021

Good & necessary

John Lewis is a historical and modern day fixture of the persistent battle for racial and social justice. Though he recently passed in July of 2020, this year’s MLK Week theme honors his philosophy of “good trouble.”

Jan 17, 2021

MLK Week Virtual Kick-off

Welcome, and thank you for joining us for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week Virtual Kick-Off!

Jan 8, 2021

The future of good trouble

Congratulations to the 2021 Youth Leadership Award Recipients! As an integral tradition of MLK Week, the award honors 7-12th grade students who demonstrate dedication to leadership in their communities and daily activities.

Nov 19, 2020

The intersection of EDI and public safety

The summer of social unrest has prompted soul-searching in higher education as campuses experience more racist incidents and students voice concerns about interactions with police.

Nov 13, 2020

Reclaiming Visibility

AI/AN communities remain invisible to non-Native society — illustrated through the high numbers of murdered and missing Indigenous women and youth. While this issue has been prominent for many years, it has not been visible in the national dialogue until very recently.

Nov 11, 2020

Forged in our society

Across the globe, there has been increasing acknowledgment of injustices such as health inequities, racism, and the vital changes needed to address these disparities. One such group often left out of the equity, diversity, and inclusion focus is people with disabilities.

Oct 26, 2020

Introducing MEDiversity Week

We look forward to virtually gathering with you to continue learning how we can best move the work of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism forward in our academic, clinical, and personal lives.

Oct 19, 2020

Unmasking “ignorance”

In Utah, the deadline for voter registration is October 23. As part of our encouragement and reminder to register, we invite you to read Unmasking “ignorance” — an assessment on public narratives around voting access/suppression and mitigation of such claims.

Oct 16, 2020

A generational layer cake

In celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we took a look back at the queer legacy in Utah. Prominent leaders and activists discussed their journeys to make the U more inclusive and acknowledged what remains to be done.

Oct 12, 2020

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

As a public university and the flagship institution of higher education in the state, the University of Utah, in its mission to provide access to high-quality education for all, has a responsibility to serve and partner with Native Nations.

Oct 5, 2020

Making history

Kamala Harris’ groundbreaking nomination advances a narrative of racial complexity, opening the door for many of us to confront our need to create one identity, one politic, one reality in how we navigate race in this country.

Sep 28, 2020

Shared desires and needs

Centering on dynamics of othering affecting people of Asian descent in America, “The Rise of Anti-Asian Hate” shared experiences and observations of bias and ways to unify with like-minded movements to eliminate systemic inequities.

Sep 14, 2020

The rise of anti-Asian hate

Reframing the Conversation will be relaunched as a monthly virtual panel series with the September iteration discussing Asian American experiences during the age of COVID-19.

Aug 31, 2020

A call to action

There can be no movement forward on anti-racism unless every person on campus commits to examining bias and discrimination across our institution, taking action, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized in developing more equitable initiatives.

Aug 24, 2020

Welcome Back Bash

While we all work through various degrees of challenges, changes, and triumphs that accompany the start of a semester, we hope you are able to connect with our centers to maintain community and formulate a support system as you take on the academic year.

Jun 1, 2020

Dear University Community

We know this is a most difficult time for many in our community with the developments of the last few months. The EDI family is also in pain as we too are experiencing frustration and anger as we begin to process what the last few days have meant in this country.

May 18, 2020

Supporting our familia

Now is the time for us to examine how COVID-19 affects communities of color at a higher rate, and more importantly—what we are willing to do as a society to end this kind of disparity?

Apr 20, 2020

2020 Graduate Spotlights

We are honored to be presenting these exceptional students and their stories to you. Please join us in celebration of the class of 2020!

Mar 13, 2020

No time for hate: COVID-19 stigma

In this time of crisis, it is essential that we lift up our commitment to the values of inclusivity within our campus.

Mar 11, 2020

What it takes

“Warrior” is a title granted to those who demonstrate extraordinary strength when faced with adversity; and during Women’s Week 2020 we were fortunate to be in the presence of a group of women that are truly deserving of this title of honor.

Mar 11, 2020

A message to our community

We want to acknowledge the struggles, sadness and anger over the barriers that still exist for LGBTQIA+ students as their dreams and goals become realized through educational attainment and persistence toward graduation.

Feb 24, 2020

Allies in activism

2020 is the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment in the U.S. And yet, the 2020 Global Gender Gap Report notes the U.S. in the third quartile of political empowerment. In order to gain full gender parity, the inequalities within and intersecting with gender must also be addressed.

Feb 20, 2020

Reframing the Conversation

An upcoming panel series will bring together experts from across campus and the community to spark important conversations around racism, othering, and safety.

Feb 17, 2020

A right to remember & celebrate

For Black History Month 2020, the BCC is celebrating its 1st anniversary! We took the opportunity to learn how this past year has impacted BCC staff and shaped how this space contributes to countless journeys on campus.

Feb 10, 2020

Agents of change

For MLK Week 2020, we explored ways to Face Everything And Rise; and our keynote, Aisha Moodie-Mills is a seasoned expert at turning feelings of anger, frustration, and fear into tangible change for a better future.

Jan 27, 2020

A deadly diagnosis

“A Deadly Diagnosis,” the U Remembers 2020 theme, will explore traces from the Nazi worldview of othering found in medical and social realms today and how we can reflect on the harm these dynamics cause as we push forward into a more inclusive future.

Jan 13, 2020

Face Everything And Rise

When each MLK Day rolls around, a flood of emotions come to mind. Celebration, inspiration, motivation, and hope to name a few; but this year’s MLK Week theme may appear quite the opposite of the positive sentiments at first.

Dec 24, 2019

Drawing strength from fear

Our 2020 MLK Week keynote is Aisha Moodie-Mills! We asked her a few questions on overcoming fear and fighting for progress.

Nov 25, 2019

#GivingTuesday

We will be participating in the U’s Giving Tuesday with the intent of supporting two entities striving to foster equity and inclusion on our campus: the American Indian Resource Center and LGBT Resource Center.

Oct 11, 2019

Surviving and thriving

During this year’s Pride Week, we were reminded of this original foundation of Pride but also found hope within the stories of queeroes who joined us and who came before us. Check out this recap whenever you need help remembering the queero within you!

Sep 30, 2019

Queeroes unite!

It’s Pride Week at the U! In the spirit of this year’s theme, “Queeroes: Reclaiming Hero”, we are spotlighting some exceptional “queeroes” who share their personal queer heroes and offer advice for living as your true self.

Sep 23, 2019

Queeroes

What is a queero? Learn all about this year’s Pride theme and how it will be incorporated throughout the week.

Sep 16, 2019

Intent vs. impact

National Hispanic Heritage Month is from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, and while the intent of heritage months may be thought of as celebratory recognition for communities within the U.S., many of our campus community members feel differently.

Jun 24, 2019

A beacon of equality

The 50th anniversary of Stonewall is this week! We interviewed this year’s Pride Week Co-chairs on the development of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the many queer heroes, or queeroes, that have emerged throughout its progression.

Jun 17, 2019

Tardigrades, radio and geeking out

Meet Meligha Garfield, our inaugural Director for the Black Cultural Center! He just started this month, and we asked some personal and whimsical questions to get to know him a little better.

Apr 29, 2019

2019 Graduate Spotlights

There are some exceptional students graduating this year, so we had to spotlight them! Check out their U experiences/accomplishments and what words of advice they give to current and future students.

Apr 22, 2019

Beyond walls

Transform students presented an oral and visual interactive tour on socio-legal, cultural, and ethnic studies perspectives surrounding immigration through presentations, written work, and visual display.

Apr 15, 2019

Indigenous rising

The University of Utah 47th Annual Pow Wow will be held this weekend! This year’s theme “Indigenous Rising: Warriors in Leadership” celebrates recent electoral wins and provides inspiration and encouragement to younger generations.

Apr 8, 2019

A tradition of resilience

Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor graduating LGBTQIA+ students. At the U, we will be reaching a milestone by celebrating our 15th annual Lavender Graduation on campus!

Mar 22, 2019

Celebrating 50 years of Ethnic Studies at the U

For the 50th Anniversary of Ethnic Studies, we interviewed Dr. Edmund Fong, our Chair of Ethnic Studies, to learn more about the development, current culture, and outlook of Ethnic Studies on a local and national scale.

Mar 11, 2019

Radical creativity

Gabby Rivera joined us to celebrate her joy, encourage us to find our own within our ancestors and stories, and gave us a glimpse into the inspirations for her writing.

Mar 1, 2019

Puppies, books and the revolution

Gabby Rivera is a Bronx-born, queer Latinx writer, and our 2019 Women’s Week keynote! We asked a few questions to better understand Rivera’s philosophies and how she exercises them in her own life.

Feb 25, 2019

Student activism

Students have always been at the center of transforming higher education; making it more inclusive with every graduating class. The U will be opening its inaugural Black Cultural Center, which was spearheaded by student leaders.

Feb 4, 2019

Black History Month matters

February is Black History Month, a time for individuals within the pan-African diaspora to express their talents and contributions on a large scale. For the Black Student Union (BSU), it’s a time of reflection.

Jan 25, 2019

Strong movements

Charlene Carruthers, 2019 MLK Week keynote, reminded us all that one individual cannot make or break a movement. It takes a collective, tackling an issue together to make it happen. Do you want to organize a movement? Ask yourself these five questions…

Jan 9, 2019

Commit, organize, take action

A series of bright-colored posters found around campus share quotes from thought-leading activists. They serve as a reminder that a collective approach is vital for social change.

Nov 5, 2018

Building an educational bridge

Strong community, resilient history and vibrant traditions are key elements of the Pacific Islands culture. These same elements are the foundation of the PI Studies initiative — and a new $600,000 grant.

Nov 1, 2018

Día de los Muertos is not a “Mexican Halloween”

Despite the growing popularity of the festivities and their symbols, both within and outside of the U.S. Latinx community, few really know the meaning of the celebration.

Oct 22, 2018

Parallels of the White Rose Resistance

Dr. Jud Newborn, our 2018 U Remembers keynote, draws lessons and parallels from resistance during the time of the Holocaust and the resistance in today’s current events.

Oct 8, 2018

What are we really celebrating?

Columbus Day – a day that honors Christopher Columbus and his arrival to the Americas in 1492 – romanticizes colonization while ignoring the existence and narrative of indigenous people.

Aug 27, 2018

In the direction of diverse student advocacy

Tawanda Carson Owens is to become the new Executive Director for Diverse Student Advocacy, an advocate position for the students served and the programs offered by OED.

May 28, 2018

The writing’s on the wall

Art can be an incredibly powerful messaging tool when used properly. Ella Mendoza, an undocumented and queer multi-disciplinary artist, uses their art to advocate for social justice.

Apr 30, 2018

Claiming space

Affinity celebrations are responses to historical and ongoing exclusion and marginalization, allowing students to celebrate their persistence and resistance through college with their family, friends, and peers.

Apr 30, 2018

2018 Graduate Spotlights

We’ve highlighted a few of our students that are graduating this year! Learn more about them and what advice they have as they reflect on their university experience.

Apr 2, 2018

Pow Wow etiquette

While the Pow Wow is free and open to the public, organizers encourage attendees to be respectful and adhere to proper pow wow etiquette.

Mar 19, 2018

Bystander intervention tips for spring break

While Spring Break is a time to take care of yourself, keep an eye out to help others as well.

Mar 19, 2018

Self-care: narcissistic or necessary?

Self-care is any deliberate act to take care of our mental, emotional, and/or physical health. In our own routines, we must consider where to draw the line in judging other’s efforts.

Mar 6, 2018

Ciriac Alvarez Valle

Documentation. The metric the United States government uses to determine a person’s rights within the U.S. Here is a story of a U alumna who has had first-hand experience.

Mar 6, 2018

Irene Ota

Standing against bigotry and discrimination, Irene Ota’s passion and work centers around raising awareness of privilege and oppression. But it was her life experiences that lead her to her passion.

Mar 6, 2018

On resilience

“We are powerful because we have survived, and that is what it is all about — survival and growth.” – Audre Lorde

Feb 20, 2018

Representation, mental health and “Black Panther”

Black History Month and celebrations of Black life going forward should be mindful of the “intersections of our identities, so that ‘Black’ doesn’t just mean cis-het, Hollywood size, Christian, and able-bodied.”

Feb 8, 2018

Tampons are not a luxury. Period.

Toilet paper: essential, right? The U provides toilet paper in all the restrooms on campus, because it is a basic personal hygiene necessity. But what about the basic personal hygiene need for pads and tampons?

Feb 5, 2018

Pay it no mind.

Celebrating Black life means elevating the narratives of Black trans people, and we must start by saying the names of Black trans people who have prematurely lost their lives to institutional violence.

Feb 5, 2018

Kiman Kaur

Education—an important value to many. But for Kiman Kaur, education has become the most vital piece to her life and to her family.

Jan 29, 2018

Lilly Kanishka

A director, a student, an activist. Lilly Kanishka’s experiences and passion for social justice has become the driving force for her involvement in student organizations.

Jan 29, 2018

‘Let America Be America Again’

As Black History Month approaches, Langton Hughes’ poem ‘Let America Be America Again’ encourages us to consider where we have been (from pre-colonization; to 1776; to 1936; to 2018).

Jan 8, 2018

Environmental racism

What is environmental racism and why does it matter? Here’s a brief overview of the U’s 2018 MLK Week theme.

Nov 13, 2017

Collisions and intersections

In higher education, we are beginning to discuss the intersection of social identities. However, we are far from constructively supporting intersectionality.