HOW TO CRAFT YOUR OWN JEDI STATEMENT
We recommend that you take time to think about the role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in your teaching prior to writing a statement for your syllabus that reflects your unique thoughts, experiences, and values.
Here are some questions to reflect on as you craft your own statement and construct your syllabi:
(Inspired by and adapted from “Diversity Statement on a Syllabus,” Eberly Center, Carnegie Melon University and “Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Classrooms,” Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology, Cal Poly)
- How is diversity addressed on campus? In your department, major, and course?
- How do you concretely recognize and value diversity in your classroom?
- How can diversity be an asset for learning?
- How will issues related to diversity arise in your course and classroom? And, how will you handle them when they do?
- Do you seek input from your students on classroom climate? Do you encourage critical discussions on course content?
- How have contributions from diverse scholars enriched your discipline?
- Is your statement inclusive of different types of diversity, including, but not limited to: race, gender and/or gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, language, socioeconomic status, immigration status, geographic region, religion, and ability/disability?
- Which campus resources would you like to direct your students to for further support?
Resources to review while developing your syllabus and diversity statement:
University Resources and Guides
- Regents Policy on University of California Diversity Statement
- UC Davis Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that embodies the commitment to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community, and reflects the ideas we seek to uphold.
- The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) has a page dedicated to Anti-Racism, where you can find an Anti-Racism Syllabus that contains a wealth of resources as well as events and opportunities for professional development as well as guidance for how to take anti-racism action. There is a page dedicated to Teaching Resources for instructors to make their lessons more diverse and inclusive.
- The DEI Office also has a Glossary to help ensure common understanding of key terminology as you learn about diversity and inclusion.
- The Keep Teaching website has an expanded guide with strategies and resources for creating an inclusive class climate.
- Center for Educational Effectiveness has additional tools including the Generalized Observational and Reflection Platform, Ribbon Tool, and Know Your Students Tool
- UC Davis pays homage to the indigenous people and land on which the Davis campus is located. A Land Acknowledgement Statement formally recognizes and pays respect to the indigenous people who once lived where UC Davis stands today.
- Language related to Title IX of the 1972 Education Act and the UC Davis Non-Discrimination Statement
- The First Generation Initiative has a page with links to teaching resources for faculty.
- The AB540 and Undocumented Student Center offers trainings and workshops to support faculty in becoming an UndocuAdvocate Educator.
- UC Davis Office of the Ombuds provides confidential, independent, impartial, and informal problem-solving and conflict management resources for all members of the UC Davis community.
In addition to including a diversity statement, consider providing information about campus resources and services. Denote a section of your syllabus to information about support resources on campus that students can access remotely and in-person when campus is open. Regularly remind students of the availability of these resources. If students self-identify as struggling with academic or identify issues, refer the student to the appropriate campus resource.