DEI Syllabus Statements: Reflection and Planning

Jumpstart your DEI reflection and planning.

Start by answering some key questions and examining some sample statements. Next, explore the rest of this page, including the references.

Infuse DEI into your course and syllabus planning.

This useful guide is organized around eight considerations about pedagogy and syllabus development to support instructors in their DEI efforts.

Include a Diversity Statement in your syllabus.

Components of a Diversity Statement (excerpted from Fuentes et. al. [2021]):

• A proclamation of respect for diversity
• An inclusive list of relevant dimensions of diversity to your discipline and course
• An explicit valuing of diverse perspectives
• Expectations with respect to classroom climate and behavior
• A statement that microaggressions will be addressed and used as teaching moments" Link this definition to "microaggressions": "Microaggressions are statements, actions, or incidents regarded as an instance of indirect or subtle discrimination against members of a marginalized group, such as a racial or ethnic minority, and often result in harmful consequences to members of those groups" (Sue, 2010).
• An acknowledgment of inequities in society, education, or one's field specifically
  relevant student resources as an indication of ways that diversity enhances learning
• An acknowledgment of how a diversity statement aligns with one's teaching philosophy

Access targeted references.

• Brown University's Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning
• Eberly Center at Carnegie Mellon University
• Fuentes, M.A., Zelaya, D. G., & Madsen, J. W. (2021). Rethinking the Course Syllabus: Considerations for Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Teaching of Psychology, 48(1), 69-79.
• Sciame-Giesecke, S., Roden, D., & Parkison, K. (2009). Infusing Diversity Into the Curriculum: What Are Faculty Members Actually Doing? Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 2(3), 156-165.
• Sue, D. W. (2010). Microaggressions in everyday life: Race, gender, and sexual orientation. John Wiley & Sons.
• Whitaker, M. (2020, November 24). Five Don'ts in Writing Your DEI Statement. The Chronicle of Higher Education.