Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, Mattering and Justice

At the Gabelli School, we view diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging not only as critical elements that support the workforce and help modern businesses thrive, but also as values that help express our deep fundamental respect for humanity.
- Lerzan Aksoy, Ph.D., Dean, Gabelli School of Business

Diversity - Within the Gabelli School community… we define the term as individual or group differences and similarities (i.e. values, personalities, abilities, race/ethnicity, cultures, genders, faiths, socio-economic statuses, ranks, sexual orientations, etc.). 

Equity - Within a DEI context, the term equity refers to fair, just and symmetrical policies and practices that guard against anything that would keep members of a given community from having equal access to all of the rights and privileges afforded to all people within that community. This includes but it is not limited to creating opportunities for groups who have historically underrepresented. 

Inclusion - Within a DEI context, the term inclusion refers to a campus climate this is maintained at the leadership level where all stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, alumni, community and corporate partners, etc.) have a deep sense of belonging and are able to bring their full selves into the community without feeling like they are in an outgroup. 

Belonging - The feeling of security and support a person feels, irrespective of their background, where there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and positive identity within the context of a broader more diverse group of individuals. It means bringing your authentic self to work or school and still feeling socially embraced. 

Mattering - The feeling that others depend on us, are interested in us, view us as extension of them by way of the human race or experience us as an ego extension. It means that peers and colleagues are concerned with our respective fates. 

Justice - The right to be treated and the responsibility to treat others with fairness and equity, the duty to challenge prejudice, and to uphold the laws, policies and procedures that promote justice in all respects.