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The IMSA Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), situated in the Office of the President and Human Resources, is responsible for ensuring that we have a diverse and inclusive community, that promotes equity. Through our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, we work to ensure that those with individual differences (e.g. personality, learning styles, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g. race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations) are engaged in the service of teaching, learning and advancing the human condition. IMSA takes a proactive and intentional approach in fostering and nurturing a safe, affirming and responsive environment and organizational culture where all feel they have value, the opportunity to contribute their best work and the ability to realize their full potential.
In addition, IMSA recognizes and acknowledges the historical underrepresentation and marginalization of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse groups, both universally, and particularly, in STEM education and professions. These disparities also exist in the representation of the Academy’s workforce. We are committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition. Equity at IMSA is defined as:
Access for Culturally, Linguistically and Economically Diverse and Marginalized students to differentiated academic and social-emotional supports and interventions that create opportunity for them to participate in educational programs and co-curricular activities that are capable of closing the excellence gaps in student experiences, success and retention. Additionally, with respect to the Academy’s workforce, Equity means differentiated strategies and resources to attract, retain and professionally develop Culturally, Linguistically and Economically Diverse and Marginalized applicants and employees.
IMSA has a 20-year history of moving DEI forward. The work has evolved from a focus on multiculturalism, to diversity and inclusion and now it is being approached through a model of Equity and Excellence, the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.
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