UConn’s Counselor Education’s Statement on Diversity, Multiculturalism, Inclusion, and
Social Justice
UConn’s Counselor Education preparation program is committed to creating a just society. The
realities of social injustices in our social, political, and economic systems require more than a
passive approach to these societal problems. Program faculty endorse an activist position by
promoting consciousness-raising on how inequalities and social injustices play out in our
interpersonal interactions, in school environments, and in all aspects of society. We believe that
personal, cultural, and institutional discrimination creates privilege for some while creating
cultural and systemic barriers for others. Our curriculum focuses on how inequities shape school
and community policies, the distribution of resources, and how well the social-emotional needs
of children are met. The existence of social injustice cannot be ignored because it negatively
affects human learning and the lives of students and their families.
Our faculty teach from a social justice perspective. Emphasis is place on social justice, diversity,
multiculturalism, social capital, and inclusive principles during the school counselor preparation
program. Courses in the curriculum infuse theory, research, and scholarly knowledge on how
personal and institutional forms of oppression can lead to serious mental health issues as well as
students underperforming academically. We value diversity in all its forms; for all people, across
race, class, ethnicity, age, nationality, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, sex, gender
identity, and other diversity indices. Furthermore, we believe that diversity and inclusion of ALL
people and groups are potential sources of strength and renewal rather than division and strife.
Some of our curriculum invites students to review their own multicultural histories and explore
their cultural origins. Because the counseling faculty has intentional goals related to diversity and
social justice advocacy, these issues inevitably become personal in the classroom. Students and
faculty are encouraged to embrace what they discover about their conscious and unconscious
attitudes and behaviors that might discriminate against and oppress others. When conflicts or
misunderstandings occur, we encourage and sometime require, a “working through” of any
interpersonal impasses at a high level of self-awareness, compassion, sensitivity, and
effectiveness so that growth and healing can occur.
Furthermore, we define this part of the curriculum, not just as social-political issues that cause
discrimination and oppression, but as violations of people’s human rights that damage millions
physically and psychologically world-wide. These human rights issues have been guaranteed and
protected by state and federal laws, our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and laws in the state of
Connecticut. Our statement on Diversity, Multiculturalism, Inclusion, and Social Justice is also
congruent with UCONN’s Statement on Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal
Violence, the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, and the American
Psychological Association (APA) Code of Ethics.