Mission

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education at Elon University advance research, teaching, learning, professional development, and community outreach for faculty, staff, and students to embrace pedagogies that prepare equity-minded leaders.

Vision

To foster an environment of inclusivity for students, faculty, and staff in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, birth through twelve educational settings, community partners, and families.

Goals

The Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals are built on five pillars of excellence and correlate with Boldly Elon, the Elon University 2030 Strategic Plan.

GOAL 1

To create an inclusive community in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education that connects campus-wide, in the broader community, and to our mission of preparing equity-minded leaders.

  • Related Pillars: All
  • Boldly Elon theme: Thrive

GOAL 2

To foster in students, faculty, and staff a deeper understanding of their respective identities, an appreciation for and examination of others’ identities, and an understanding of how identities are interconnected to power, prejudice, privilege, stereotypes, oppression, and discrimination.

  • Related Pillars: Faculty, Staff, and Student Development; Community Engagement
  • Boldly Elon theme: Thrive

GOAL 3

To facilitate learning academically, personally, and professionally in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion to broaden student, faculty, and staff engagement of intercultural, anti-racist, anti-bias, culturally responsive, and equity-based practices.

  • Related Pillars: Curriculum; Policy and Research, Community Engagement
  • Boldly Elon theme: Rise

GOAL 4

To provide students, faculty and staff with resources (inside and outside the classroom) to perform their roles in a sound intercultural, anti-racist, anti-bias, culturally responsive, and equity-based manner.

  • Related Pillars: All
  • Boldly Elon theme: Learn

GOAL 5

To serve as the central diversity education resource for cultivating greater activism in leaders toward inclusion and social justice on campus, in birth through twelve and other educational settings, with families, and in the broader community.

  • Related Pillars: All
  • Boldly Elon theme: Connect