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Welcome

Cultivating and sustaining an equitable, respectful and welcoming environment for all

The Warner School of Education and Human Development fosters a learning community that represents and builds on the rich diversity of human experiences, backgrounds, cultures, histories, ideas and ways of living. Consistent with our dedication to education, counseling and human development that can transform lives and make the world more just and humane, we recruit, support and learn with students, staff and faculty from the broadest spectrum of human diversity. Likewise, we seek the same through our interactions with the local and global community.

Upcoming diversity events

EDI Council

The Council for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion works to understand and advance equity, diversity and inclusion. The council:

  • Serves as a liaison between the Warner School of Education and University diversity initiatives.
  • Provides resources and support regarding issues of equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
  • Facilitates understanding and informal discussion concerning equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
  • Provides learning opportunities that enhance awareness and strengthen motivation to promote cultural equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Advises and engages faculty and staff regarding recruitment and retention processes to promote a diverse workforce.
  • Provides consultation to committees, upon request.
  • Focuses on climate/culture, hiring, training, retention, policies and procedures, student recruitment, services and support, financial aid/scholarships, language/visual communication, professional development, curriculum review/development, targeted initiatives and community engagement.

EDI goals

The Warner School of Education’s goals, objectives and action items for equity, diversity and inclusion were developed by the Council for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, using student survey data; historical, institutional knowledge of former faculty diversity officers; existing literature in K-12 and higher education on anti-racist, anti-oppressive and culturally sustaining organizations; organizational change; and program evaluation.

Prepare practitioners and researchers who are anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive in their work to make a difference in individual lives as well as their fields, and who are leaders and agents of change.

  • Integrate anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive practices into curricula and pedagogies.
  • Develop inclusive curriculum review of course syllabi.
  • Increase coaching opportunities to support the development of anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive syllabi and curriculum.
  • Review goals, learning objectives and required content of academic programs to ensure curriculum across programs address anti-racism, anti-oppression and inclusion.
  • Develop opportunities for students, faculty and staff to explore racial identity development, intersectionality, systemic racism, anti-racism and liberation.

Generate and disseminate knowledge leading to new understandings of education and human development, on which anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive educational policies and practices can be grounded.

  • Support for faculty, students and staff in projects, research and scholarship related to anti-racism, anti-oppression.
  • Develop strategies to partner and communicate with diverse audiences/groups and through diverse outlets.
  • Continuously engage in self-study of policies and practices to foster anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive climate/culture.

Collaborate across disciplines, professions and constituencies — to promote change that can significantly improve education and support positive human development.

  • Harness expertise in equity and inclusion throughout/across campus to build faculty & staff development and student enrichment opportunities focused on EDI.
  • Work with community partners to ensure equitable access to a high-quality education across the community.
  • Provide opportunities for a broad array of constituents to participate in policy-making around admissions, hiring and programming.

Nurture an inclusive and vibrant culture and climate in which all people are able to flourish.

  • Nurture an environment of respect, transparency, safety, trust and celebration of diversity.
  • Ensure commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is explicit in environmental scan.
  • Diversify faculty, staff and students through recruitment, retention and promotion.
  • Develop and communicate a differentiated support system that is responsive to students’ needs.
  • Engage in restorative practices to address trauma, harm and conflict, and to build trust and community.
  • Encourage creativity, imagination and innovation in our practice.

Reflect critically and continuously on our own individual and community practices for continuous learning.

  • Nurture and guide reflective practice for all faculty, staff and students around equity and inclusion.
  • Continuously engage in self-study of policies and practices to foster anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive climate/culture.
  • Include question about anti-racist, anti-oppression and inclusion in course evaluation.
  • Conduct annual anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive curriculum review of course syllabi.

EDI contact information

Any questions/comments/concerns about Equity and Inclusion? Contact equityinclusion@warner.rochester.edu

For specific concerns you may also want to utilize the contact information below.

Conflict management/ resolution

For conflict management, resolution and mediation concerns, including sexual harassment and grade disputes, contact the associate dean of graduate studies.

Express concern about a person, incident, or issue

“Maybe you’re having a tough time helping your friend deal with their tough time...

Sex or gender-based misconduct

Questions or concerns? Email the Title IX and Access Coordinator.

Disability accommodations

Please contact Mary Judge Diegert at mjudge@warner.rochester.edu or (585) 273-1838.

Equity and inclusion team

Council for EDI
Comprised of students, staff and faculty

Student Ambassadors
Marvin Herrera
Md Mamunur Rashid

Anika Simone Johnson headshot

Assistant Dean of Equity & Inclusion
Anika Simone Johnson (she/her/hers)

Nahoko Kawakyu O'Connor Headshot

Faculty Diversity Officer
Nahoko Kawakyu O'Connor (she/her/hers)

Michael Occhino headshot

Staff Equity Officer
Michael Occhino (he/him/his)

Isabelle (Isa) Hernandez-Colon headshot photo

PhD Student, Graduate Assistant
Isabelle (Isa) Hernandez-Colon (she/her/hers)

Student resources & learning opportunities

The University provides resources, affinity groups, initiatives, support and a toolkit to promote an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment. We also offer professional learning opportunities to support equity, diversity and inclusion.