Commitment to Diversity

The College of Education leadership and faculty are committed to the importance of diversity in the preparation of future educators, as evidenced in the College of Education mission, strategic directions, and conceptual framework.  A COEDU Diversity Committee supports the enactment of this commitment.  The Diversity Committee actively develops, sponsors, and/or collaborates in programs, forums, and/or initiatives that infuse diversity issues through the College of Education in areas of curriculum, clinical practice, research projects, and development of cultural competencies.

The Co-Chairs of the Diversity Committee are Deirdre Cobb-Roberts, Patty Alvarez McHatton, and Barbara Shircliffe (on sabbatical for 2007-2008).  The Diversity Committee, open to faculty, staff, and students, has eight subcommittees:

• Chronicling Diversity Efforts
• Climate & Awareness
• Community Enrichment
• Development
• Faculty Recruitment & Retention
• Multicultural Teaching Competence
• Research/Inquiry
• Student Recruitment & Retention

What is Cultural Competence?

Cultural competence refers to the capacity of a person to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all abilities, cultures (languages, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions), genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic classes, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects, preserves, and promotes the dignity of each (adapted from Barrera & Kramer, 1997 & NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice).