Department of Family and Consumer Studies
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We acknowledge within and outside of our department the importance of just treatment and opportunities for individuals from historically disadvantaged identities, including but not limited to racial, ethnic, indigenous, gender, sexuality, religious, socioeconomic, nationality, citizenship, age, body and abilities. Intersectionality is present and plays a role in lived experiences. EDI does not end with recruitment and requires follow through. We strive to integrate inclusive content and discussion in our curriculum and mentoring to highlight how these factors influence families, communities, policies and human development. Those of us who are staff, students, researchers and community-engaged scientists, recognize our responsibility to understand systems that reproduce inequalities and help develop solutions for a more equal society. We work continually toward an environment of social justice, anti-racism and human rights.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and classroom environment. Bias or hate incidents consist of speech, conduct, or action that is motivated wholly or in part by prejudice whose impact discriminates, demeans, embarrasses, assigns stereotypes, harasses, or excludes individuals because of their identities. These behaviors and beliefs are not welcome anywhere in person, in the office or online. Respectful debate and civil disagreement are encouraged and expected.

We believe that inclusion, equity and diversity are fundamental to the success of the department, university, its students, staff, faculty, and administrators. A collective commitment to these values enriches our lifelong learning and prepares us all to become actively engaged as responsible inhabitants in our local and global society.

Land acknowledgement:

We acknowledge our physical location, that this land, named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. Our department respects their sovereign rights and the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional homelands. We affirm the University of Utah’s commitment to a partnership with persons in native rural and urban Utah communities through research, education, and community outreach.