Inclusive Excellence
“Inclusive Excellence is a core value at Lebanon Valley College. It reaffirms the college’s commitment to excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a collaborative process, it unites LVC’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni and sets the framework for growing and sustaining a learning and working community where a sense of belonging is experienced by everyone, and every person feels valued and respected.”
—Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood, vice president of diveresity, equity, and inclusive excellence
Lebanon Valley College acknowledges that the land on which our institution is located is within the historic homelands of the Susquehannock Tribal Nation. We further acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced removal from this territory, and we honor and respect the many diverse peoples who have and continue to cultivate relationships to this land.
Statement on the August 2023 Racist Attack on Black Americans
Thousands marched to Washington, D.C., on August 26, 2023, to commemorate the 60th year of the August 28, 1963, March on Washington to hear Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream Speech.” This historical moment illumined the speech that emerged as the paramount symbol for racial and social equality. Yet, sixty years later we are once again reminded of the heinous acts of racism in America. The most recent, three Black Americans gunned down in Jacksonville, Fl., while shopping at a neighborhood Dollar General.
As a Black woman in America, identifying as a Black woman is no way a claim that the identity “Black women” is monolithic. I stand in my space to extend my deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time to the families who lost their loved ones because of racially motivated hatred. I am pained and angered that we must once again confront the repeating occurrences of hate-fueled actions because of race, ethnicity, misogynistic behaviors, and sexual orientation. Such hate riddled actions once again illuminated the drastic harm to the victims, and their families, they also corrode the fabric of our communities. As a Black Woman in America, this claim stems from the groaning in my soul, this claim is the lifting of my voice, this claim is from one who has a deep love for humanity; hence, the fear, pain, and grief runs deep; the struggle continues to be real.
As an Inclusive Excellence Practitioner, I realize that racist killings are a stark and heartbreaking manifestation of the deeply rooted prejudices that still exist in our world. We must confront this reality head-on and work collectively to dismantle the systems that perpetuate such violence. As we mourn with the families, let us also pledge to channel our grief into action. Let us continue to demand justice, advocate for change, and amplify the voices that need to be heard. It’s crucial for us to engage in open and often times difficult conversations that promote understanding, empathy, and education. By learning from one another’s experiences and stories, we can break down stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate hatred. Only through our efforts together can we build a just and inclusive society that respects the rights and dignity of all its members.
Office of DEI & Belonging
The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging provides vital resources that help the entire campus community put our values into action. It facilitates campus-wide programming for students, faculty, staff, and administrators focused on increasing diversity, promoting equity, and advocating for justice.
Symposium on Inclusive Excellence
The annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence encourages students and staff to learn, grow, and commit as a campus to comprehensive and continuing engagement with our diverse community. An entire day is reserved for a featured keynote speaker and educational sessions that inspire open dialogue.
Learn and Join
Find connections and support, keep learning, and work toward equity and justice.