Diversity Matters @ USG

Diversity Statement

The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) values diversity in all of its forms, fostering a climate grounded in respect, civility and inclusion.  Along with our nine academic partners, we strive to create an educational and social environment that affirms the dignity, value and uniqueness of each person.  We embrace our responsibility to provide a safe and respectful learning and work environment where diversity is celebrated, affirmed, and vigorously pursued.

As members of the USG community, we pledge to:

• Support the learning, development, and exploration of each individual in an effort to embrace and bring about awareness of the value of a diverse community
• Encourage openness, honesty, and civility in all interactions
• Acknowledge that diversity encompasses more dimensions than legally protected categories
• Recognize and value the individual who contributes to the collective fabric of cultures, experiences, talents, and perspectives within the USG community
• Promote a culture of acceptance and belonging where members of the community are empowered to express their whole self

What exactly is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Ed?*

Diversity: Individual differences such as personality and learning styles, social differences such as race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, and ability, as well as cultural, political, and religious affiliations that can be engaged in the service of learning is diversity.

Equity: The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion is equity.

Inclusion: The active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity - in people, in the curriculum and in intellectual, social, cultural communities with which individuals might connect in ways that increase one's awareness, content knowledge, empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within institutions is inclusion. 

Diversity Toolkit

This toolkit provides an introduction to the multiple facets of diversity. It offers basic definitions and a list of resources. Neither the list of topics in this toolkit nor the content within each topic is meant to be exhaustive. If there is a resource that you are aware of that is not listed on our website or you cannot find what you are looking for, please email usg-diversitymatters@umd.edu.

• Race and Ethnicity  
• Sex  
• Sexual Orientation  
• Gender Identity and Expression
• Disability (Physical or Mental)
• Religion
• Protected Veteran Status
• Age
• Marital Status  
• Genetic Information 
• Retaliation
• Personal Appearance - Personal appearance means the outward appearance of any person irrespective of sex including physical attributes such as hairstyle, beards, weight, height, eye color, the manner of dress. 
• Political Affiliation - Political affiliation is a person's political beliefs and activities. 

*Source: CUPA MD-Higher Ed