Diversity & Inclusion Education

Old Dominion University, from a visual perspective, is very diverse. One's outer identity, such as race and ethnicity, is often used as the major identifiers for diversity. However, the Monarch community is diverse not only because of our racial and ethnic identities, but it is due to the multiplicity of identities such as, but limited to our sexual orientation, gender, age, religious beliefs, political perspectives, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geographical location, veteran status, lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, cognitive and physical abilities, world views, and the intersection of all of our human differences. For each Monarch to experience a sense of belonging and perceive that they are valued, respected, and treated equitably, an inclusive campus requires the demonstration of cultural competency life skills, self-awareness, knowledge, and cultural humility.

OIR's commitment to preparing our students to respectfully engage diverse others, navigate and lead from a mindset that acknowledges social inequalities and systems of oppression from an individual, institutional, and societal and framework requires providing diversity and inclusion educational opportunities, and safe and brave spaces for dialogue and practice.