Columbia SPS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Initiative

Message from the Chief Diversity Officer

We need to understand that any DEIA initiative has to be grounded in the fundamental belief that each and every one of us deserves to be treated with dignity—that we are born with intrinsic value and worth. That includes feeling a sense of belonging, being heard, and being able to make a difference. Together, the various elements of DEIA provide us a lens through which we see who we are as an organization and a community, how we treat each other, and what we need to do to make sure that each member of our community flourishes.

Diversity refers to the various groups with which we are identified or choose to identify. We usually focus on race and gender, but to fully measure the diversity of our community--students, staff, and faculty--we will need to explore other categories such as sexual orientation, gender identity, physical/cognitive abilities, socioeconomic background, etc. Are these identities and groups, particularly those that have been and to this day remain underrepresented and marginalized, visible and celebrated in SPS?

Equity means that all members of our community are treated fairly and justly in our organizational structures, policies, procedures, and day-to-day practices. Inclusion means that each and everyone in our community, especially those who are relegated to the margins, feel welcomed and heard. Beyond words, we should all feel that we have a say in the very decisions that impact us. Finally, Accessibility means allowing full representation and participation to everyone, regardless of physical and cognitive ability.

Through the DEIA lens, we clearly see who we are and who we aspire to be as a community.