Diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice are not standalone concepts that pay lip service to current trends in contemporary culture. These values are integral to everything we do at Roeper.
The following definitions were developed and adopted by our DEIJ Committee of the Board:
- Diversity are our differences that matter.
- Equity gives full access to opportunities and meets the needs of specific individuals and groups.
- Inclusion means belonging—welcomes and values all members and perspectives.
- Justice is equity, love, and compassion.
Justice requires that we respect the dignity and worth of every individual by providing an equal opportunity for those to whom opportunities have been historically denied. At Roeper, we believe that our cooperative community respects and embraces diversity, thereby emphasizing the relationship between the individual and the community. In discussing the dynamic relationship between the individual and the Roeper community, our philosophy states, “This interrelationship is founded upon respecting the inherent dignity of every human being; believing in human rights for all people . . . embracing the beauty of diversity; positively valuing differences; and recognizing the essential interdependence of all living things.”
We value the voices of all members of our community. We continue to work at creating an environment that is safe and welcoming to all—a place where everyone feels represented and heard.
The Roeper School admits students without regard to ethnicity, gender, cultural background, religion, or sexual orientation, and entitles them to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.