DUS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We welcome everyone to our community.
David Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and Executive Director
Rebekka Kuhn
Interim Coordinator of Multicultural Initiatives
Hear from our staff...
How do you define diversity?
To me, diversity is the presence, representation, and celebration of individuals and ideas from various backgrounds based on ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, religious beliefs, disability, etc.
Pieces of a absolute whole that when assembled respectfully with true care and selfless concern lead to shared health and fulfillment.
Diversity is a) a fact of life; and b) the spice of human interactions.
Diversity is the sharing of knowledge, experiences and viewpoints from people of a wide variety of backgrounds. These backgrounds may be different cultures, genders, ethnicities, socio-economic statuses, educational levels, ability statuses and many more. To be truly diverse, we need to discuss and learn about all of these different experiences and just as importantly, acknowledge our own lack of knowledge and be open to new ideas and ways of thinking.
What are you doing to become more culturally competent?
Reading, listening, observing.
Personally, I've been actively building my facilitation skills, so I can be more effective in the midst of engaged (aka difficult!) discussions and passionate (aka entrenched!) perspectives. I'm a huge fan of TED talks and podcasts because they easily and accessibly give me access to others who are willing to share their unique life experiences. I take advantage of as many great Penn State speakers and events that I can squeeze in.
I actively seek out opportunities to learn from people with identities and experiences different from my own. This could mean joining a club or organization, trying a new food, reading an article or book, going to a social event, enrolling in a course, engaging with media, attending a lecture or panel discussion, or following someone on social media. The options are endless!
In my learning, I center the lived experiences of people in the communities that I’m trying to learn more about. I am grateful to have learned so much from people in the AAPI, Black, Christian, disabled, Hispanic/Latinx, immigrant, Indigenous, Jewish, LGTBTQIA+, Muslim, and veteran communities, along with so many others.
No one owes me their story, so when someone chooses to share theirs with me, they are giving me a gift. It’s my responsibility to accept the gift graciously, to work past any discomfort of stepping outside of my own culture, and to understand where they’re coming from. I don’t have to believe or agree with everything people share, but I do have to sit with it and let what I’ve learned inform my actions.
I regularly attend professional development, engage in conversations with students to learn more about their experiences, as well as read articles.
How do you advocate for others?
By encouraging friends to consider other perspectives when in conversation. By giving examples of lived experiences other than our own when conversing with family members. By asking friends and family to take in the world around them and not be narrow minded in their thinking.
I advocate for others by speaking up, and bringing humility whenever there is an opportunity to learn. I pay attention to and learn from my own discomfort.
In order to advocate for others, I strive to contribute to creating welcoming spaces in my personal and professional life. Often, this includes recognizing and utilizing my privilege as a white male in order to stand up for others who historically have not had the power to do so and call out injustices when I see them, even if it makes others uncomfortable.
I advocate for others by first listening to their concerns and making sure that I understand their needs. Then I try to partner with them to find a solution, and ask others to hear their concerns and voices to reach a resolution.
What does diversity mean to you?
Simply - diversity makes us stronger.
I believe I become a better person by being exposed to a diverse array of people from many backgrounds and culture and learning new perspectives from all their lived experiences.
At a university, where the pursuit of knowledge is at the heart of everything we do, diversity is vital. We cannot do the work of understanding our world if only some of us are asking the questions. When we foster a deep sense of belonging in every member of our community, we are all better for it.
Without diversity, the world would be boring. Diversity lets us see things from new perspectives and gives us a reason to come together as humans. If everyone were the same, togetherness wouldn't be as special.
Student Spotlights
As a college student transitioning into adulthood, I believe it is imperative to involve yourself within your community to ensure that you are an asset by being able to work well with people of all levels and by being a leader with a diverse background. From my involvement in the Penn State community, I have a seat at the table and I use my voice to provide ideas to enhance the college experience, holistically, for students of color and to provide sustainable solutions for issues that students of color may face.
Having safe spaces where you can interact with people that may or may not look like you, and engage in conversation and activity, makes you feel big at a smaller school.
An inclusive, diverse community is one where all experiences and perspectives are valued. Here in DUS, we want everyone to feel that they can share their stories openly and be accepted for who they are and how they see the world. It is through the inclusion of the broadest range of perspectives that we will find solutions to the many problems that confront our world. I encourage you to be yourself, to share your story with your adviser and others, and to join us in building a strong, inclusive community at Penn State.