Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are central and essential to fulfilling Gannon’s Mission, to living out our common purpose and service standards, and to what it means to be a Catholic Institution. Our GU+ Service Standards recognize the significance of both extraordinary moments and everyday connections in creating the culture of respect.  Our University Mission calls us to social responsibility, inclusivity, and global citizenship.  Our Catholic identity is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching which places justice and charity as the footprints that mark the way to authentic human development in which all persons participate in the fullness of the human community.

View our latest update, including details on the approval of plans to create a Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, the search for an Integrated Diversity Officer in Human Resources, and a new Bias and Discrimination Reporting Form and Process.

About the JEDI Steering Committee

Our conversations, gatherings and care have brought us to concrete steps in our commitment to racial justice.  In the Fall 2020, with the approval of Dr. Keith Taylor and the President’s Leadership Team, the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee was formed.  This Steering Committee is made up of colleagues from across all colleges, divisions, and campuses, and will also include student representation. The initial focus of the committee is three-fold: 

1. Create an institutional action plan after an assessment and discernment process. 
2. Discern ways to involve all colleagues and students interested in supporting this work toward an institutional plan. 
3. Coordinate ways to implement ideas for immediate action while formalizing the institutional plan.  

The Steering Committee fosters discussion in the university community regarding issues of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at Gannon, identifies areas of need, and creates an institutional action plan for the university to move forward. 

Gannon University supports diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus in a variety of ways including through the work of the University’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee. This group leads long-term institutional DEI planning and serves as a hub for ongoing input, feedback, research, and action for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Gannon.  A Student Advisory Group that includes undergraduate and graduate student representatives from across our campuses, representing multiple diverse identities, also advises and provides input and feedback on the work of the Steering Committee and DEI needs at Gannon.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion work lives across our campuses though, both in our curriculum and in co-curricular experiences that promote diversity and inclusion. Various student groups and organizations, and faculty and staff contribute to a culture of inclusivity on our campuses. So many of our colleagues have voiced a strong and steady commitment to the work of justice, equity and inclusion, and the steering committee will be eager to engage all of us in ensuring that every voice is heard and the real work is done.