Penn State Behrend is committed to the equitable treatment of all individuals and to providing an inclusive campus environment for students, faculty, and staff. While individuals are distinguished by a myriad of factors—such as ethnic heritage, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, ideologies, socio-economic status, life experiences, and physical characteristics and capabilities—we demand that no one should be defined or narrowly perceived by these terms.
We believe that diversity has a critical role in a liberal education, and a college campus should provide a unique intellectual environment for individuals with different experiences, backgrounds, and values to interact with one another. Only through the open exchange of different beliefs, experiences, and values can individuals develop the important critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their life. This type of education allows students and faculty to create and share knowledge in a safe, accepting, and nurturing environment, resulting in a richer education for all.
For more information about Institutional Equity and Diversity at Penn State Behrend, please contact Andy Herrera, Director of Educational Equity and Diversity Programs, at 814-898-7101.