Our commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion

Dear students,

In light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, I want to say to all our students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities—you will always belong here! The rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives among our students are valuable components of the fabric of our vibrant school community.  The Warner School remains deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)—it’s at the core of our School’s mission. And not only is it deeply rooted in our core beliefs, but it’s also reflected in our practice and how we prepare practitioners and researchers, it’s immersed throughout the research that we generate, and it’s the common thread among all our collaborations and partnerships across disciplines, professions and constituencies to drive meaningful change. 

Our work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Warner has already led to important programs, policies and initiatives. In 2021, Assistant Dean for Equity and Inclusion Anika Simone Johnson joined the Warner School to steward and champion various EDI efforts and help establish a strategic vision for the path ahead for Warner. Since then, we’ve created several new student affinity groups that provide academic and social support to students throughout the year; focused on increasing the diversity of our faculty, staff and student body; developed and hosted several new diversity and cultural training, workshops and conferences; and supported our University and broader communities. 

Yet, to create and cultivate an even more diverse and equitable school community means there is still more work to be done, and we are committed to taking further steps and actions toward tangible and lasting change. We recognize that access is deeply rooted in opportunity. In our Warner 2023 Strategic Plan, Ever Forward: Powering Educational Innovation, one of our key strategic pillars focuses on increasing access to education and providing more opportunities for all learners. Over the next seven years, we will expand learning opportunities that support the education profession and reach new non- and for-profit organizations and individuals; leverage alumni networks to support lifelong learning and graduating students entering the job market; and increase financial support for students via scholarships, assistantships, grants and new creative funding mechanisms.

Lastly, as part of our fourth strategic pillar focused on strengthening the School’s inclusive culture, we will work to increase student, faculty and staff diversity and foster respect for diverse identities, as well as strengthen our anti-oppression efforts through the Council for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, which will champion our EDI efforts across internal and external programs, initiatives and processes. 

Throughout the process, we will be transparent in our progress toward meeting these goals. I'm excited to share more with you in the months ahead. 

Meliora,

Sarah Peyre, EdD
Dean, Warner School of Education