Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are part of the university’s fundamental mission
All Berkeley faculty have the opportunity to ensure equity and inclusion in their research, teaching, and service, so that the diverse community of students and colleagues they work with will feel a sense of belonging and thrive. This important component of the faculty role is codified in both the UC Berkeley Principles of Community(link is external) and The University of California Regents Policy 4400(link is external)
“Diversity — a defining feature of California’s past, present, and future — refers to the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance.” [Regents Policy on University of California Diversity Statement(link is external)]
“Ideas, and practices based on those ideas, can be made richer by the process of being born and nurtured in a diverse community.” [Regents Policy on University of California Diversity Statement(link is external)]
“We recognize the intrinsic relationship between diversity and excellence in all our endeavors.” [Berkeley Principles of Community(link is external)]
We prize diversity in all its forms at Berkeley - for our excellence depends on diversity of thought and perspective, both of which are the result of, and profoundly enhanced by, the diversity of our campus community.
What do we mean by diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
Diversity: The variety of personal experiences, values, perspectives, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Such differences include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geographic region, perspective, and more.
Equity: As distinguished from equality, where everyone receives the same support regardless of circumstance, equity focuses on fair treatment, and access to supports and opportunities necessary for advancement and success. Equity acknowledges structural issues and barriers such as racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, and sexual harassment that have prevented the full participation of individuals from marginalized groups.
Inclusion: The proactive effort through personal actions, programs, and policies to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, respected, supported, and valued, and to identify and address situations in which this is not the case (see the UC Berkeley Strategic Plan for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity(link is external) for more information).
Belonging: The sense of being accepted and connected to the institution and to people within the institution; being one's authentic self. A sense of belonging means knowing that what one is doing has purpose and meaning to themselves and others.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are a recognized part of faculty excellence in research, teaching, and service
"The University of California is committed to excellence and equity in every facet of its mission. Contributions in all areas of faculty achievement that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging should be given due recognition in the academic personnel process, and they should be evaluated and credited in the same way as other faculty achievements." —APM 210-1-d
“Diversity should also be integral to the University’s achievement of excellence.” [Regents Policy on University of California Diversity Statement(link is external)]
Each of the sections below provide more information and relevant examples: