Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee

Mission Statement

The College of Arts and Sciences Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee works closely with the university to ensure the equal right of every member of our community—students, staff, and faculty—to be included, supported, and heard. As educators, we value multiple perspectives and embrace excellence through diversity of all kinds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, religion, age, national origin, physical ability, and neurological difference.  Diversity and inclusion are everyone’s responsibility.

Committee membership 2016 IDEA Inventory Results PDF

Funding for DEI Events

The committee welcomes requests from students, staff, and faculty to co-sponsor speakers and events that help fulfill the committee’s mission.

Co-Sponsorship Request Form

Diversity and Inclusion Statements

We have compiled a list of diversity/inclusion statements from around the college as well as resources from other institutions.

DEI Statements

IDEA Statements

November 19, 2019

“The College of Arts and Sciences’ IDEA Committee stands in solidarity with our colleague, Jennine Capó Crucet, in light of recent events including burning of her book. Her work is exemplary of UNL’s best scholarship and her voice is vital in our mission of inclusive excellence.”

February 12, 2018

“The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln condemns racism and all forms of bigotry. Despite our best efforts, instances and attitudes of these behaviors occur on our campus and may continue to occur. We strive for inclusive classrooms, an inclusive college, and an inclusive community in which all students, staff, and faculty have a voice. One of the great challenges of an inclusive and diverse community arises when one or more of these voices challenges the core of those beliefs in diversity. Our response must include engaged dialogue that fosters equity and access while embracing freedom of speech. Our classrooms, college, and community must be physically safe environments in which we can all take every opportunity to be curious, to think, and to learn.”