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.   

The Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 

Location: Beyer Hall 306J

Contact: Gerald J. James, Director
james030@gannon.edu
Office: (814) 871-5374

Meet The Team

Gerald James, MHS, MAJ
Director

Juliana Vassell
Student Leader

Josna Susan, BS
Graduate Assistant

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office provides resources, programming, and support aimed on ensuring Gannon University’s mission driven commitment to inclusion.   With an emphasis on respect of individuality, shared connectedness, and multiculturalism, the DEI Office seeks to cultivate an enriched environment where all students, faculty, and staff of the Gannon community are welcomed and valued with dignity and belonging irrespective of race, gender, ability, religious practice, ethnicity, identity, or socioeconomic factors.  The DEI Office spearheads and leads initiatives that inspires social awareness, appreciation for diversity, and cultural consciousness.  In addition, the DEI Office also aids in the creation and delivery of designated recommendations formulated through the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Steering Committee, which focuses on university-wide strategies.” 

Gannon's Statement on Human Dignity and Belonging

Gannon University condemns all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and xenophobia; including racist or incendiary language/depictions, hate speech, calls to violence, and/or the disparagement of any person or persons based on religious affiliation, ethnicity, nationality, ability, disability, race, gender, socioeconomics, sexual orientation, or identity. This includes any statement or action that seeks to deprive individuals of their birth right of human dignity. We are dedicated to building and fostering an environment in which all members of our community can thrive without fear of hate or bias, in a space of dignity and belonging. 

At Gannon, we understand how diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters a culture of respect, compassion, and understanding and promotes innovation and ingenuity. In our commitment, we will:

• Encourage dialogue and discussion that embraces diversity and intercultural understanding
• Value the dignity and humanity of all individuals
• Create or advance policies and practices that cultivate an equitable environment and sense of belonging. 
  
  

Key Events/ Annual Events

• MLK Day of Service
• “Kings Dream”: A multimedia presentation on Dr. Martin Luther King
• Unity Photo Day: In honor of Black History Month
• A History of the Negro League: Presented by the Josh Gibson Foundation
• ToKnights View: Brave Space Conversations on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Courageous Chat and Chews: Monthly Conversations on DEI (dedicated time for student athletes)
• A Taste of Cultural Cuisine:  In honor of AAPI Heritage Month
• Lunch of the Month: Featuring cultural cuisines in Beyer Hall Cafeteria
• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
• Unity Cookout