ASI continues to build a more inclusive campus through its recently developed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program. This program was created in the fall of 2021 after a staff baseline survey on organizational change was conducted.

The program’s goal is to raise awareness and encourage education on issues centering on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

“ASI’s DEI Program provides avenues of exploration, contemplation, and action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and underscores the concept that students and staff should be able to bring their whole, authentic selves to work and school. We are all more than a timecard or campus-wide ID number,” said Kristen Pinchbeck, ASI Graduate Assistant for the DEI Program.

Over the past year, ASI’s DEI Program has offered a variety of engagement and learning opportunities to both students and staff.

The DEI program engaged students and staff through trainings focused on diversity, thus broadening knowledge and encouraging the creation of an inclusive campus for everyone. It also helped make individuals aware of these issues while offering a safe environment to talk about personal experiences and learn from the experiences of others.

The DEI Program also utilized the campus-wide initiative, One Book, One CSUF. ASI staff participated in discussions about George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy and used these meetings to address issues such as racism, intergenerational trauma, and homophobia.

In the upcoming academic year, the DEI Program will be expanding to offer more programming for student staff, student leaders, and professional staff.

“We are excited about our plans for this year. ASI’s DEI Program will partner with other ASI and campus groups to increase programming and engagement opportunities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism,” said Pinchbeck. “The programming will focus on providing outlets that appeal to a diverse community and that stimulate critical conversations on campus.”

To learn more about ASI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program please visit https://asi.fullerton.edu/dei