FHSS Diversity and Inclusion Syllabus Statement
In the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences, our classroom participation and behavior are guided by our mission statement,i the BYU honor code,ii and principles of Christian discipleship.iii It is imperative that we value and respect every person as a child of Heavenly Parents who has divine worth. Consequently, we need to take steps to listen to, learn from, and love one another by striving to consider thoughtfully the opinions of others and use language that is polite, considerate, and courteous even when we strongly disagree. It is essential to create an educational environment that ensures "the gift of personal dignity for every child of God.”iv This includes embracing one another compassionately and “eliminat[ing] any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalismv…regardless of age, personal circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, or other unique challenges.”vi It is vital to delight in individuality and welcome diverse perspectives and experiences as we “work tirelessly to build bridges of understanding rather than creating walls of segregation.”iii To accomplish these goals we seek unity in higher principles of equity, charity, collaboration, and inclusiveness in order to build an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff can participate in, contribute to, and benefit equally from the academic community.
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i “provide an education that helps students become informed citizens and thoughtful leaders who make the communities and families in which we live more just, equitable, and happy.”
ii"[we live] in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and strive to maintain the highest standards in [our] personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others.”
iii“The Creator of us all calls on each of us to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any group of God’s children.” President Russell M. Nelson, News Release, 2020; https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-shares-social-post-encouraging-understanding-and-civility; https://medium.com/@Ch_JesusChrist/locking-arms-for-racial-harmony-in-america-2f62180abf37
“he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.” (2 Nephi 26:33)
iv Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Perfect Brightness of Hope,” April, 2020
v Elder M. Russell Ballard, “The Trek Continues,” October, 2017
vi President Russell M. Nelson, “The Love and Laws of God,” September, 2019