Diversity

Better Together, Beyond Differences

DIVERSITY DEFINITION:

At Kent State Columbiana campuses, administrators, faculty, and staff are committed to building and maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; views the diversity of thought and experience as a strength and a benefit; and supports all individuals in reaching their potential. We recognize the dimensions of diversity and are dedicated to providing an environment free from discrimination on the basis of identity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, national origin or ancestry, immigration or citizenship status, primary language, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, socioeconomic status, dis/ability status, appearance or body size, veteran status, political ideology, or any other variables based on an individual’s self-identification. The individual intersection of these experiences and characteristics is valued at Kent State University.

Kent State’s Division of People, Culture and Belonging

COLUMBIANA CAMPUSES DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MISSION:

So that our students can thrive in a globalized society, our mission is to support, collaborate with and provide transformational institutional progressive (TIP) activities that educate and advocate for awareness and appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the value that each brings to our campus, our curriculum, our careers and our community. 

Upcoming Events

• February is Black History Month
• March is Women’s History Month
• April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • You can help recognize the impact of gender-based and sexual violence by participating in The Clothesline Project, a pairing of interactive displays at Kent State’s East Liverpool and Salem campuses and hosted by the Diversity Committee.

    The Clothesline Project is a visual display symbolizing the violence that often goes ignored or underreported and is intended to increase awareness and honor survivors’ strength. The display will include t-shirts, each designed by someone impacted by gender-based or sexual violence. Typically, fabric shirts are used for a Clothesline Project, but to demonstrate our commitment to environmental justice, the Kent State East Liverpool and Salem displays will use paper t-shirts to reduce waste.

    
    East Liverpool Campus

  • Monday, April 17
    11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    Shirts can be designed discreetly in Rooms 320 and 318 of Purinton Hall.
    They will be displayed in the hallway outside the Quiet Study Lounge on the second floor.

    
    Salem Campus

  • Tuesday, April 18, through Thursday, April 20
    Noon to 2 p.m. each day
    Shirts can be designed discreetly in the EMSS Conference Room.
    They will be displayed in the Student Lounge area.

    
    The Diversity Committee invites all students, faculty and staff to participate by creating shirts and hanging them on the clotheslines. Together we can help break the silence.

Past Events

Virtual Watch Parties and Discussions:

• 2021, Oct. 20: Normal Heart
• 2021, March 26: Film Miss Representation.
• 2021 Feb. 24: Selma

Support LGBTQ Day was held Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019

• Support LGBTQ Day - where if you wore a rainbow item, you received rainbow sherbet, a rainbow pen, & flag.

Beyond Compliance Diversity Offering:

• https://www.kent.edu/hr/training/beyond-compliance-workshops

Diversity Question:

Did you know that East Liverpool and Salem have a diversity committee and would like a student representative? If interested Salem students may contact Dr. Jessica Paull, jpaull@kent.edu; East Liverpool Students may contact Dr. Lydia Rose, Lrose17@kent.edu.

Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Kent State