Diversity and Civility Statement
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- Diversity and Civility Statement
Diversity and Civility Statement
- Home
- Social Equity
- Diversity and Civility Statement
Who We Are
Edinboro University is an institution composed of individuals who are continuous learners and scholars. We live, work, and learn in a community that strives for excellence in everything we do, while valuing the safety, security and productivity of our students, faculty, staff and administrators.
We are a civil community demonstrating mutual respect for one another while cultivating mutual responsibility. We value academic freedom and an open exchange of ideas and opinions, but this freedom and exchange we cherish requires individual responsibility.
Diversity is a key element in the intellectual and interpersonal development of our students. We are committed to building an environment that embraces and celebrates all forms of diversity, including racial, gender, ethnic, cultural, religious, age, disability and sexual orientation among our students, faculty and staff. We link diversity with quality and academic excellence. We recognize that diversity is vital among our students, faculty, staff and administrators because it enhances academic quality and excellence by preparing students to live and work in an increasingly global, pluralistic, multicultural society; it strengthens communities whose citizens will be judged by the quality of their character and contributions; it fosters and promotes citizenship, teamwork and respect; and it strengthens economic prosperity by effectively using the skills of individuals from different backgrounds, cultures and communities.
Who We Are Not
Even in the most diverse and civil community, however, we recognize that there might be instances of behavior and conduct from members of our community that to a reasonable person clearly demonstrate intolerance, incivility and disrespect for others, falling short of who we are as a civil community of continuous learners and scholars.
Please be assured also our University does not and will not tolerate acts, behavior or conduct of harassment or intimidation, either direct or by implied threat, or acts of violence or threatened violence against individuals or groups belonging to our campus community. Such acts, behavior, or conduct against any member of our community violate our accepted community standards and our standards of excellence.
University policies unequivocally prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation and institutional vandalism. Established procedures for addressing such issues are in place and will be immediately employed as needed, including investigatory and disciplinary measures.
The University seeks to resolve issues and concerns brought to its attention. In my dual role as Director of Social Equity and as the University Ombudsperson, for example, I provide information, advice, intervention, mediation, and referrals in an effort to ensure all members of the University community receive fair and equitable treatment. I also conduct investigations into claims of prohibited discrimination. There are other offices on campus listed below that also seek to resolve issues and concerns.
On behalf of President Jeremy D. Brown and the Edinboro University administration, I strongly encourage members of our community to report incidents involving acts of discrimination, behavior or conduct of harassment and intimidation, institutional vandalism, acts or threats of violence, and other kinds of threatening or intimidating behavior. Incidents should be reported to one of the following campus offices:
- University Police: 814-732-2921; Emergency 814-732-2911
- Social Equity: 814-732-2167
- Human Resources and Faculty Relations: 814-732-2810
- Dean of Student Life: 814-732-2778 or 732-1234
- Student Judicial Affairs: 814-732-2920
These campus offices communicate with one another and, if necessary, will refer the report to a more appropriate office for handling the incident.
Thank you for your individual contributions to building and maintaining a community of civility where the fair and equitable treatment, as well as the safety and security of our members is of utmost importance, and where all we do reflects our proud tradition and respect of diversity and excellence.
Sincerely,
Valerie O. Hayes, J.D., M.S.W.
Director of Social Equity and University Ombudsperson
(Paragraph on diversity is an excerpt from the Cornerstone for Excellence PASSHE Diversity Strategic Plan 2005-2009.)
