Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Hero.jpg

Mission & Values | Ways to Engage | Leadership | Resources

Mission & Values of the SCS Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Council

The mission of the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Council (DEBIC) is to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) by supporting and organizing projects, promoting activities, broadening community participation, and raising awareness about these issues.

Founded in 2020, the Council works to create welcoming spaces for all members of the SCS community to share their perspectives and engage in the shared work of social equity and inclusion across the entire School. Our vision is to further develop a “Community in Diversity” in which all SCS feel included, welcomed, and affirmed in the diversity of their identities. We aim to cultivate a reflective professional and academic culture in which all members of the community contend with–both within Georgetown SCS and beyond–the persisting manifestations of structural injustice and exclusion that deny human dignity to persons because of their identities.

Values

  • Humility: We recognize that we will make mistakes but will strive to listen and learn from one another. Progress, not perfection, will be our guide.
  • Inclusivity: We strive to be attuned to the perspectives of all members of the community, including persons who are often marginalized in predominantly white, hetero-normative, able-bodied spaces because of their non-dominant identities.
  • Commitment to Action: We realize meaningful social change will not occur unless plans become actionable and lead to measurable outcomes.
  • Collaboration: We affirm that an interdisciplinary and cross-sectional effort is needed in order to create a welcoming and equitable community, requiring participation of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others who partner with Georgetown SCS.

Ways to Engage

We invite members of the SCS community to engage with DEBIC through any of the following:

  • Monthly Speaker Series (SCS Faculty & Staff): Rooted in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, care for the whole person, this series brings the School of Continuing Studies community together for meaningful reflection and shared learning. Join us as we explore how to embody our core values across teaching, administration, and daily life to build an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for everyone.
  • Collaborate on Events: DEBIC welcomes ideas for co-sponsoring events regarding DEI-related topics.
  • Participate in a DEI-Related Training Workshop (SCS Faculty & Staff): In collaboration with Dean Kelly Otter, SCS senior leadership, and other Georgetown offices, DEBIC organizes DEI-related training workshops for full-time faculty and staff. Examples of workshops include active bystander awareness and implicit bias.
  • Share Your Ideas: We encourage you to share your additional ideas and suggestions at debic@georgetown.edu.

Leadership

An all-volunteer group, DEBIC comprises full-time SCS faculty and staff who represent a wide range of programs and departments across the School. The committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss, plan, and advance initiatives, events, and other engagement opportunities related to DEI. If you are interested in being an active member, please contact debic@georgetown.edu.

Resources