Identity-based resources

Equity and Inclusion Statement

Inclusion Statement

Our office welcomes all students. Further, our office recognizes the need to offer an explicit welcome to those who have been marginalized based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, citizen status, ability, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, spirituality, and all the other complex identities that make us who we are.

Equity Statement

We recognize that historically and presently, different levels of power have allowed some people to flourish at the expense of others. We understand that as individual people and as an office, we have upheld inequity. We are committed to providing students not just equality of opportunity, but equality of outcomes. Continued growth, humility, and empathy will lead to a more equitable society, and we are excited to take on that lifelong challenge.

org commitment box

Assessing an Organizations Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

While it isn't always easy to determine an employer or company's level of inclusivity, there are a few indicators that can help you understand an employer's values, compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity laws, and overall organizational climate. Check out the categories below to get you started.

org categories

Organizational Values

When reviewing a company's website or recruitment materials, look for some of the following:

A statement of their commitment to diversity and non-discrimination policies
In-house employee support, mentorship, or social networks for people from marginalized backgrounds (i.e. employees of color, LGBTQ employees, veteran employees, etc.)
Diversity rankings from industry organizations
Recruitment efforts in diversity-oriented publications, networks, and events
Membership in professional organizations for people from marginalized backgrounds
Diversity amongst the senior management and Board of Directors

Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance

In the United States, all employers are required to comply with Equal Employment Opportunity laws, which means that they cannot discriminate against applicants or employees based on their race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. To find out if an organization has violated EEO laws, you can:

Search for the employer's name along with an identifying term such as "civil rights violation" or "lawsuit"
Check on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's website for lawsuits related to the employer

Sometimes, charges of discrimination can lead to an employer introducing new policies and attempting to change the culture of their organization. So, if an employer does have a civil rights violation, check to see if they have made public statements about changes to their organization's inclusion efforts and be sure to speak with current employees about their experiences during your interview.

Assessing Climate

Here is a short list of questions you can ask of organizational employees, alumni you know who work at the organization you are considering, as well as during the interview process with the organization:

What is it like to work here?
Could you describe the organization's culture?
Could you give me an example of the organization's commitment to diversity?
Talk to your friends and family about the employer — have they heard anything positive or negative about it?

Equity and Inclusion Resources

Students of Color

If you haven't yet connected with the Office of Multicultural Student Services, it is an office on campus that has many valuable resources (e.g. tutoring services).

Here are additional resources that can assist you with your job search:

LGBTQ+ Students

Did you know UWL has its own pride center? Check out the UWL Pride Center. It was recently ranked the 6th most LGBTQ+ friendly pride center by AffordableColleges.com.

Additionally check out the Human Rights Campaign as they have various resources to help you navigate your career as a member of the LGBTQ+ community:

Veterans

UWL has its own UWL Veteran Services office that has many valuable resources for those who have served or are currently serving.

Here are additional websites that specialize in job resources for veterans:

Students with Disabilities

Be sure to check out the UWL Access Center as they can provide you with valuable resources.

Here are additional websites that can assist you while searching for a job: