Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Liberal Studies recognizes global inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and access (GIDBEA) as essential to education and the development of leadership in a globally interconnected world. These values inform LS as a collegial and respectful environment for students, faculty and staff—with particular attention to improving the student experience.

Our students are strongly involved in DEI events and initiatives, such as:

• LS-wide DEI Committee that facilitates conversations and information sharing; identifies DEI issues of importance to the LS community; makes recommendations to faculty committees and deans; and reports periodically to the LS community. AY 22-23 student members include: Kelly Bajuadji, Ryan Carney, Tolu Owolabi, and Sneha Sridhar..
• Black Lives in Global Contexts, a series that takes as its premise that all aspects of Black lives matter, and features LS faculty, students, alumni, and guests in discussion about how migration, erasure, racial capitalism, cultural appropriation, and other global manifestations impact the lives of people of African descent the world over.
• Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Retreat, an off-campus retreat that provides LS students the opportunity to explore leadership by developing self-awareness and creating meaningful connections with peers, grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students engage in activities and dialogue that promote reflection and enhance leadership capacities.
• LS NYUWomXn100, a year-long series of programming, events, and creative production to honor and celebrate the lives, pursuits, innovations, and achievements of womxn of transgender, non-binary, and cisgender experiences - including those who have been historically overlooked across our global communities. While 2020 marked 100 years since the U.S. ratified the 19th amendment, not all women gained access to their vote
• Social impact programs to provide applied learning opportunities about DEI and social justice issues, including our signature service ambassadors seminar and placements, social impact grants and volunteer grants.

Understanding diversity and inclusion must be a community effort, and necessary to the development of our community, faculty and staff participate in trainings and other programs that address DEI topics and resources. As just a few examples:

• Integrating the Global South in the Liberal Studies Curriculum, a symposium that gathered faculty to develop innovative approaches to decolonized, global, and interdisciplinary teaching. It featured a new juncture in global connectivity by showcasing the NYU Buenos Aires faculty’s knowledge and years of sustained research and engagement in local resources, as well as seminars and excursions led by local scholars and experts in the region’s complexities.
  
• Office of Global Inclusion (OGI) Inclusive Teaching Seminars, where LS faculty were introduced to key ideas in the field of inclusive teaching, such as creating an inclusive classroom climate, empowering students to learn collaboratively and across difference, as well as connecting concepts to students’ lived experiences.
• Development of a school-wide statement in support of DEI values recommended for course syllabi

LS Student Council Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The LS Student Council Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a student committee responsible for collecting students' voices and representing them to the Council executive board, the LS-wide DEI committee, and the Dean, as well as advocating for the Liberal Studies student body regarding issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. For more information, email ls.studentcouncil@nyu.edu or ls.studentaffairs@nyu.edu. 

Student Programs

In addition to the opportunities already mentioned, we encourage students to engage with diversity and inclusion through our many student affairs programs and clubs. Join one of the many LS student groups and organizations that promote the diversity of the community through their activities; or participate in our peer mentorship program for incoming first-generation and international students; attend a DEI discussion panel facilitated by other students; or visit us during new student student orientation at our welcome socials to connect with other students of color and LGBTQ+ students. We also help prepare students for the cultural adjustment process when studying away at an NYU global site.

Find Resources and Opportunities

NYU offers many services to help students navigate issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University. Find current events, support organizations, facts and figures, toolkits, and resources on the Global Inclusion and Diversity website, including Academic Resources. Find resources and support for Accessibility and Community for Students with Disabilities.

Report a Problem to the Bias Response Hotline

Have you experienced or witnessed bias, discrimination, harrassment, intolerance, exclusion, aggression, or microaggression against members of the University community? Share or report the incident through the NYU Bias Hotline: 212-998-2277, bias.response@nyu.edu, or online.

NYU BeTogether

Real transformation requires accountability with sustained learning, innovation, and multilevel action. The Office of Global Inclusion, and its partners, launched NYU BeTogether - a university-wide effort to center global inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and access in everything that we do.

Anti-Racism Education, Programs, and Resources

OGI has listed selected programs, education, and resources focused on anti-racism that are available to the NYU community. Anti-racism work requires individuals to take responsibility for their own learning and avoid placing the responsibility for that education on already marginalized and disenfranchised groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).