Penn State York is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We celebrate individual uniqueness and are committed to a culture of inclusion that promotes intergroup dialogue, understanding, and respect. A diverse campus community enriches and engages its members and serves as a core component of our educational mission.
Diversity
Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability, or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.
Equity
Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive, which differs from equality-treating everyone as if their experiences are the same. Being equitable requires acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities, both in the past and present, that advantage some and disadvantage others.
Inclusion
Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. More than simply diversity, inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging.
Belonging
Belonging means embracing individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.
Penn State diversity, equity, and inclusion resources can be found at the Office of Educational Equity.