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.

Neeva Shrestha

The Nepalese master's student works to bring economic development to Chicago.

Harold Washington Legacy Award recipient Kiera Carpenter with Mike Bryson, Loisteen Woods Walker and Andrae Marak

Read about Roosevelt’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the 2023 edition of the Roosevelt Review.

Four Roosevelt students in downtown Chicago

The Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation, recently announced Roosevelt University as one of 76 new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24.

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion