Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources and Initiatives with WGU
At WGU, we recognize the inherent worth of all individuals and celebrate their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences as essential to maintaining an inclusive academic community. Our goal is to foster a diverse environment where all students, faculty, and staff can flourish. WGU is dedicated to promoting inclusion, acceptance, equal opportunity, and diversity across all aspects of our operations and initiatives.
WGU has an active and growing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) program focused on advancing access and opportunity for all stakeholders, including students, employees, and alumni. Our DE&I initiatives are aimed at building communities that value each individual and encourage open, respectful conversations. Below, you’ll find a selection of WGU’s DE&I initiatives, book recommendations, and resources. This information is designed to help you learn, reflect, and grow, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of essential DE&I principles.
What Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
While diversity, equity, and inclusion are often discussed together, each word represents a distinct and vital aspect of creating a thriving community.
- Diversity involves acknowledging and honoring the wide range of characteristics that make each individual unique. This includes visible traits such as race and gender, as well as invisible traits such as backgrounds, beliefs, and personal experiences. Embracing diversity means appreciating the richness these varied traits bring to the table and understanding how they strengthen organizations and communities.
- Equity is the commitment to ensuring fair access and opportunity for every individual. It involves taking proactive steps to ensure that all people are supported with the resources, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive. Equity is about providing everyone with the chance to succeed. By prioritizing fairness, we create a system where all individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.
- Inclusion is about creating a space where every individual feels respected, heard, and appreciated for their unique experiences and perspectives. It involves building a culture in which diverse viewpoints are not only welcomed but also celebrated. Inclusivity allows people to feel confident in expressing themselves, knowing that their presence and contributions are meaningful. By fostering an inclusive environment, we enhance mutual respect, build stronger relationships, and encourage collaborative efforts that fully utilize diverse talents.
WGU’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Blog
WGU celebrates various commemorative months by highlighting WGU students and staff who exemplify our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Blog features thought-provoking and inspiring articles, including:
- National Disability Employee Awareness Month: Employee and Student Spotlight Carli Mullen
- Celebrating Black History Month at WGU: Meet Dr. DJ Bradley
- Five Ways to Advance Women in Leadership
- Empowering Neurodivergent Learners in Online Education
- Gary Eaton–Black History Month Student Spotlight
Advance Equity Speaker Series
WGU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion team hosts a monthly speaker series as part of our commitment to change lives for the better by advancing equity and expanding access to opportunity. The Advance Equity Speaker Series aims to raise awareness of DE&I by sharing insights and perspectives on a variety of topics. The sessions feature renowned DE&I experts, executive leaders, and WGU faculty. Take some time to explore past recordings and consider how you can incorporate the insights shared into your everyday life.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dialogues for Rising Educators
If you’re a teacher or will soon become one, we encourage you to check out our Education Thought Leadership page. You’ll find a variety of blogs, articles, and opportunities that can broaden your perspective and help you incorporate DE&I principles in your personal and professional life. You can also watch the video from our live event. The discussion offers valuable insights into how educators can effectively address these important topics in their classrooms and communities.
Books on Teaching Diversity
Below is a selection of inspiring, informative books celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reach out to your favorite bookseller or library and take the first step toward enriching your understanding today.
- by Django Paris and H. Samy Alim
- by Beverly Tatum
- by Carmelita Rosie Castañeda
- by Geneva Gay
- by Arnetha F. Ball, Kim Fries, Cynthia A. Tyson, Arnetha F. Ball, Gloria Ladson-Billings, Patricia D. Quijada Cerecer, Thandeka K. Chapman, Marilyn Cochran-Smith, Jeffrey M. R. Duncan-Andrade, and Donna Y. Ford
- by Eileen Gale Kugler, Ashley Harris, Edwin Darden, and others
- by Marie Tejero Hughes and Elizabeth Talbott
Curated TED Talks
Explore an engaging collection of that delve into the crucial topic of diversity. The first playlist is titled “A Playbook for Agile, Inclusive Leadership.” It provides valuable insights about what it takes to become an inclusive leader who inspires and motivates others. The second playlist focuses on "How to Innovate for Collaboration and Success." It offers innovative strategies and ideas that foster teamwork and drive success through diversity in thought and experience. The third playlist examines "Why Tech Needs Diversity." In this playlist, industry experts discuss the vital role that diverse worldviews play in technology as well as the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to the technology industry. Finally, "A Blueprint for Diversity in the Workplace" provides actionable strategies and best practices for nurturing and managing an inclusive workplace culture, emphasizing how organizations can implement effective diversity initiatives to enhance their work environment and performance.
Additional Resources
Below is a selection of additional resources related to diversity, equity, and inclusion that feature a variety of perspectives and best practices. We encourage you to revisit this section regularly, as we will continuously update it with new materials, articles, and insights to enhance your understanding of DE&I topics.
- : Follow and engage with this group focused on addressing educational inequities and improving academic outcomes.
- : This thoughtful article in Learning for Justice points out the important distinctions teachers can make to foster greater equity in their classrooms.
- : These resources examine the significance of Black educators in promoting student success. Research has shown that having just one Black teacher during elementary school increases the likelihood of a Black student enrolling in college by 13%. If a student has two Black teachers, that likelihood rises to 32%, according to a study from the . A follow-up study published in the reached similar conclusions regarding the importance of Black educators.
- : This webinar offers an engaging panel discussion about race in the workplace. Guests include:
- Karen Pavlin, North American Inclusion and Diversity Leader for Accenture
- Denise Banuelos, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity & Workforce Development Director for Kaiser Permanente
- Crystal A. Banks, Diversity and Inclusion Director, Ulta Beauty
- Heath Clayton, Executive Director, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, JPMorgan Chase
- : This video discusses the impact of DE&I on the business sector. It includes a section describing how business leaders can adjust their talent acquisition strategies to enhance hiring for diversity.
- : In this LinkedIn article, Jane Fried, Ph.D., LPC, discusses how intrapersonal work, vulnerability, and open-mindedness can lead to deeper and more meaningful discussions about diversity.
- : This article provides valuable resources for individuals who want to foster a more inclusive, respectful society.
