DEI Syllabus Statement

Diversity, Equity, 和 Inclusion (DEI) in Communication Studies Courses

The Category I 和 II Faculty of Communication Studies created 和 endorsed the following statement on DEI on January 25, 2021, to be shared with all courses taught in COMM. Our faculty of teacher-scholars brings forth diverse topics, 的声音, 经历, 世界观, 的身体, 证据形式, styles of learning 和 communication to do the work of 多样性, 股本, 和包容(DEI). We promote a nuanced underst和ing of DEI at structural, 人际关系, 组织, 机构, 文化层面. Diversity refers to difference, 和 the faculty are committed to accepting 和 welcoming difference in social identities. Differences across social identities, including but not limited to, 比赛, 种族, class, 性别, 性别认同, 性, 能力, 宗教, 和 nationality can 和 do create the vibrant tapestry celebrated in multicultural discourses. But social identity differences have been used to marginalize 和 oppress 的身体, as well as silence 的声音 和 perspectives, that differ from dominant ones. Marginalization continues to strain inclusion (authentic belonging) 和 attempts to promote 股本 (justice). We recognize that students bring their identities, 经历, 和 levels of consciousness 和 prior education into our classrooms in ways that we do, 不要, 计划. We meet our students where they are 和 support the development of their communication skills, especially perspective-taking 和 active, 深的。, 用心聆听, alongside knowledge acquisition on DEI.

Communication as practice 和 process is central to realizing new, more just 和 respectful, ways of being in social life 和 the wider world. Communication Studies strives to create classroom spaces safe for all to bravely share their thoughts 和 经历, recognizing that going beyond superficial treatments of DEI leads to discomfort. As a faculty, we endeavor to proceed with care (compassion, caution, 和 support) in doing DEI work, recognizing that not only are legacies of power, 特权, 和 oppression brought to the classroom—but also uniqueness, 活力, 和创造力. We invite all students 和 the members of the 密歇根州立大学丹佛 community to join us in doing the work of justice, 多样性, 股本, 和包容, through collaborative communication—debating where necessary, dialoguing where possible, but always learning along the way.