Consistent with the values and goals of the University of Cincinnati, the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology, and the professional standards of the disciplines represented in our unit, the School of Human Services strives to be an inclusive learning community that embraces diversity in all forms and respects the dignity and worth of all individuals. We aim to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable environment that supports the success of all members of our community. We understand that educational institutions have historically and presently excluded individuals based on race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, and many other identities; and we strive to identify and disrupt systems of marginalization and oppression in our School and College. We appreciate and learn from different perspectives and foster a safe environment for respectful discussion. We are committed to modeling cultural humility for our students and preparing them to be culturally aware citizens and professionals who can influence positive social change, challenge discrimination, and promote social justice in their work. We demonstrate our values and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice by:

• Recruiting and retaining a diverse student body, faculty, and staff, representative of the communities we serve;
• Integrating and centering topics of diversity and social justice and including underrepresented voices from our respective fields within program curriculum;
• Providing students with opportunities to apply their learning and advance their skills through field experiences in diverse community settings;
• Applying inclusive teaching practices to create a supportive, accessible, and affirming learning environment for all;
• Advancing research and informing practice to address inequities in our world;
• Engaging in ongoing personal reflection and professional development to strengthen our cultural awareness and inform our efforts towards creating an inclusive community; and
• Inviting feedback from key stakeholders, including students and community partners, to evaluate and continuously improve these efforts.