Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Our Commitment to Diversity
The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences is committed to advancing an inclusive community in which everyone is welcomed, respected, valued and heard. We believe our community is enriched by diversity along a number of dimensions including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender expression, sexuality, class, disability, religion, and political ideology/identification. Along a number of dimensions including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender expression, sexuality, class, disability, religion, and political ideology/identification. We acknowledge the historical and current structural inequities that present challenges to both the access and success of historically disadvantaged groups. We have developed specific goals and key strategies to strengthen inclusion, diversity, and equity and belonging within our college community.
Rethinking Race 2023
Feb. 27 – March 9, 2023
See upcoming eventsOn October 4, the 2023 Rethinking Race (RTR) committee kickoff meeting was held, which marks the 16th year that students, faculty, and staff will come together to plan a series of events known as Rethinking Race. The two-week forum of events will focus on facilitating “courageous conversations designed to promote inclusive excellence” regarding race and race-related issues. All events are free and open to the public.
This year’s theme will be: Rethinking Race and the Criminal Justice System. Among the forum highlights will be keynote speaker Michelle Alexander, internationally known teacher, lecturer, scholar, and author of the critically acclaimed book The New Jim Crow. Ms. Alexander will speak at 7:00 pm, Monday, February 27, at the E.J. Performing Arts Hall, as the opening event for the RTR forum held February 27 – March 9, 2023.
Faculty Search Committee Workshop
Dr. Suzette L. Speight, associate professor of psychology and director of training for the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology, presents a training workshop for diversity in faculty recruitment and hiring.
Student Organizations
H.A.L.O. (Hispanics and Latinos Organized)
Hispanics And Latinos Organized encourages and cultivates the diverse Hispanic cultures at the University of Akron, fosters friend between Hispanics and non-Hispanic students at The University of Akron, creates language and culture literacy, promotes communicate, and maintains awareness and support of Hispanics and Spanish-speaking students and welcomes new Hispanic student and help them in adjusting to the new culture and student life.
Pride in STEMM
Pride in STEMM is an organization devoted to the support of Queer students in science, technology, engineering, math and medical fields. We focus primarily on education, community building and professional development. We welcome all students including allies and non-STEM majors and are always striving to support the STEM and LGBTQ+ communities.