The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team at the School is responsible for facilitating a sense of belonging within the entire community, serving undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty, and staff. With SPIA community partners, the team promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that invests in the community through co-curricular programming, workshops, and consulting.  We advise on several fronts, including community-building, best practices for outreach and recruitment, DEI learning and professional development, and pipeline programs. The team also hosts the Junior Summer Institute, a 7-week summer program for rising seniors interested in public service and international affairs from across the nation.

Over the last year, over 120 students have attended weekly DEI dinners, discussing topics like discussing topics like racial equity analysis and disability allyship, and celebrating the rich diversity of our community. The DEI team supports several graduate affinity groups, including the Students and Alumni of Color (SAOC), FIRST+ (first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students, alumni, professors, and staff), SPIA LGBTQ+, SPIA Latine, SPIA AAPI groups, and any students interested in hosting programming that celebrates identity and experiences of its members and the communities they serve.

• Community building
• Creating access and supporting the SPIA talent pipeline
• Advising on equitable policy and processes
• Recruiting expertise in identity and public policy