Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)

Be inclusive. Be fair. Be outstanding. Be �鶹ӰԺ.

The College of Arts and Sciences seeks to create and foster an inclusive campus environment that engages and empowers students, faculty and staff, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion or spirituality, physical or emotional ability, national origin and/or other salient identies that an individual may hold.

With a commitment to increasing cross-cultural awareness and competency, we support students, faculty and staff in their efforts to offer a wide variety of programs and initiatives that explore both the shared and unique experiences, histories, and heritages of our diverse community. We do this through social and educational programming, advocacy for social change, and by providing resources and support.

If you have any ideas or if you are interested in supporting our efforts by getting involved, please contact Patricia Gonzalez at patricia.gonzalez@colorado.edu.

Our values

Celebrating inclusion

Our college's first strategic imperative is creating a culture that welcomes all. Learn more on our strategic plan website or contact our assistant dean for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Embracing diversity

Our campus champions inclusive excellence; we value our common experiences and celebrate our differences. Learn more at the .

Upholding respect

Report an incedent. Don't ignore harassment, discriminatory actions, unwanted sexual behavior, abusive relationships or stalking. Reporting tools and resources to help are available at the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.

Patricia Gonzalez is the College of Arts and Sciences' assistant dean for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Gonzalez plays an integral role in realizing the college’s core mission to develop students as future leaders in the diverse global community of the 21st century by collaborating with students, faculty and staff to design, encourage and implement employee recruitment, development and retention strategies, as well as creating culturally relevant teaching strategies, practices and programs that result in an effective and welcoming environment and equitable student, staff and faculty success.

Marysia Lopez is the College of Arts and Sciences’ program manager for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Lopez works in collaboration with Assistant Dean Gonzalez to develop and implement initiatives and programs that result in an effective, welcoming and equitable environment for student, staff and faculty success.

Lopez holds an MA in Art History from Christie’s Education and a BA in Cultural Studies and Journalism from the University of South Florida. She began her professional career in the non-profit sector and has been working in higher education since 2015. A first-generation college graduate, she is committed to creating an environment at CU �鶹ӰԺ that makes every student, staff and faculty member feel respected and included.

Zaidee Bennett is the College of Arts and Sciences' student program coordinator for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. They are a current junior majoring in sociology and minoring in communications, and they are specifically interested in studying the intersection of social identities (gender, race, etc.) and discourse/language. Zaidee was born and raised in Colorado, and is loving CU since transferring from UVM two years ago. In their free time, they enjoy writing, reading, playing soccer and analyzing films. Zaidee is committed to implementing their research and studies into their work; striving to create a more inclusive community for students, staff and faculty at CU; and celebrating every identity.