Diversity and Community
Enhancement Committee (DCEC)

In the College of Education, we define the term "diversity" broadly and are committed to fostering and respecting differences that can be defined in terms of ethnic origin, race, cultural background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic and linguistic background, previous career experience, age, and the presence of a disability. In addition, we strive to respect differences in philosophy and points of view and emphasize the open debate of ideas on their merits.

The College created a Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee in May of 2002 to raise and explore diversity issues with faculty and staff throughout the College, in response to a 1999 Task Force recommendation. The Committee membership is comprised of faculty, staff, and student representatives from each of the five departments plus representatives from the College administration and the Director of Multicultural Student Services. The Committee has become quite active and became a standing committee in the College in 2003. The most recent Committee is working on six specific charges for the period January 1, 2004 through June 30, 2006. Action teams have been established to address the specific charges.

The Committee is committed to the Penn State principles (pdf). Our Open Letter to the College of Education illustrates our position in encouraging a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.