Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our Mission: Building on Roosevelt University’s core values, historical origins, and best practices, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) will mobilize creative approaches to advise, support and foster diversity, equity, inclusion and opportunity toward a cultural shift essential to social justice and the experiences of our community.

Our History

75 years ago, Roosevelt University was born when a visionary leader and 62 faculty members had the guts to go against the norms of exclusion in favor of inclusion. They went against the discriminatory practices of higher education in 1945. When asked to limit access because of race, religion and gender, they simply said, “We don’t count that way.” Our history is grounded in courage, acceptance and a commitment to social justice.

Our Present

Roosevelt’s institutional culture, mission and current strategic plan stem from this commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access on which the university was founded. The university has championed social and racial justice since its beginnings and continues in this spirit today. Roosevelt’s view of justice is based in a belief that fairness, honesty, integrity, equity, and critical agency should resonate throughout every institution within a civil society.

Related News

Diversity, equity and inclusion are constant themes throughout everything that happens at Roosevelt. Browse our recent news stories for a glimpse into DEI in action at the University.

Karina Ayala-Bermejo and Maria Wynn Lascarr at 2024 Women’s Leadership Council holiday luncheon

During the luncheon's Q&A, Ayala-Bermejo discussed the legal challenges facing immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and how the Instituto works to support them.

Display of photos, letters, notes, poems, flowers and candles that represent a vigil honoring people who's lives were lost to anti-transgender violence.

The event reflected on the lives taken too soon due to anti-trans violence and encouraged attendees to become advocates for transgender rights in the United States.

Meagan Jarmuz speaking at a podium behind students at the 2024 First-Gen Day celebration.

Roosevelt celebrated the many achievements and confronted the challenges faced by first-generation college students at the recent First Gen Celebration.

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion