UD’s Lerner College of Business Launches Diversity Council
The University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics has announced a new Diversity Council initiative that will appeal to MBAs and other students across the board.
Comprised of students, faculty and staff, the Lerner Diversity Council (LDC) will promote a climate of acceptance across gender and racial lines both on campus and in the wider community.
On the LDC launch, Provost Domenico Grasso said, “I greatly appreciate the support from Lerner College’s students, faculty and staff for the University’s efforts to foster and strengthen diversity on our campus. Part of our educational mission at UD is to offer learning experiences that prepare our students to live in an increasingly diverse and global world, and we know that diversity among our students, faculty and staff is central to that mission.”
Dean Bruce Weber noted the importance of the Council not just for students who are already on campus, but for those potential applicants who may feel excluded from access to higher education as a result of financial and social inequality.
“Everybody knows something about diversity,” Weber said. “And I want you to think about that, and think about where your diversity lessons came from.”
“We need to be doing the things that eliminate in-group/out-group distinctions, with all participants invited and assessed equally, and having equal opportunities,” Weber continued. “We’re going to have more chances to interact like this, and begin the conversations about how we break down unproductive distinctions.”
Through three main goals, including community building; transformation of the curriculum and wider outreach and engagement, the LDC hopes to nourish a student body in both the MBA and undergrad programs that is as diverse as the larger world.
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
