The University of Delaware is committed to creating an educational community that is intellectually, culturally and socially inclusive, enriched by the contributions and full participation of persons from many different backgrounds. Many changes have occurred at the University of Delaware. Years ago, the UD Faculty Senate adopted a resolution that stated our commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity. In 2007, President Harker unveiled UD's Strategic Plan-- the Path to Prominence™ - featuring diversity as a guiding principle. The plan states that, "The University of Delaware will foster a robust educational environment in which all people are welcome and feel welcome – one that supports critical thinking, free inquiry and respect for diverse views and values."
Over the decades, the University's commitment to diversity has expanded and become more and more inclusive. . Our commitment is long-standing. The Affirmative Action Office was established in 1972 and was followed shortly thereafter by the creation of a Minority Affairs Board, the Center for Black Culture in 1974, Office of Women's Affairs in 1978, and the LGBT Community Office in 1993. OEI is honored to be the office designated to lead the University in its commitment to diversity. The Office of Equity and Inclusion, established in July 2009, combined the services of the Office of Affirmative Action and the Office of Women's Affairs, and added additional resources and programs in diversity initiatives. OEI advocates for an equitable and inclusive work and learning environment by monitoring, coordinating, and overseeing the University's diversity and inclusion initiatives. We currently operate in 4 function areas - affirmative action, campus diversity, LGBT community issues, and women's affairs. Our functions support the following goals and activities:
The OEI logo was designed by Molly Chappell, Senior Art Director in the Office of Communications and Marketing. The concept of the logo is that the equilateral triangle represents equity, the multi-colored gradations (including the one within the body of the person) represent all kinds of people and cultures, the person inside the triangle represents inclusion, and the sections of the triangle represent how all of this (equity, multiculturalism, inclusion) intersects. The logo is a vivid reminder of the importance of diversity at the University of Delaware and visually represents the mission of the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
In 1978, the Commission on the Status of Women recommended an administrative office for women. The Office of Women's Affairs (OWA) was established, along with an Assistant Provost for Women's Affairs, demonstrating the University's increased support for the status of women. Women's Affairs assisted women with job-related problems and created and coordinated a wide variety of support services. Through 2009, the Office of Women's Affairs advocated for women and promoted awareness and understanding of issues that directly affect women faculty, staff, and students. It provided confidential support services for campus victims of harassment or violence, provides awards and scholarships, and presented and celebrated the contributions and perspectives of women on- and off-campus. Today, the services and many of the programs provided by OWA are coordinated through the Office of Equity and Inclusion, ensuring that women's voices are heard at UD.
In 1993, the LGBT Community Office was created to address concerns brought forth by the LGBT community at the University. A student LGBT organization, Queer Campus, conducted a March for Queer Improvement in which a list of demands for the queer community was brought to the administration. In response, President David P. Roselle opened an office dedicated to addressing such concerns. Today, the LGBT Community has a strong presence through the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and OEI staff serve as advocates for LGBT students, faculty, and staff.
