Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Initiatives

Our Purpose & Vision

The purpose of the Lakeland University Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Initiatives team is: to facilitate an inclusive environment where all students feel they belong; to provide educational opportunities that promote healthy dialogue regarding race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, class, and other differences; to guide the Lakeland community to a better understanding and respect of cultural differences and the importance behind them; and to advocate for the underrepresented and assist those who feel led to speak out.

Programs, Resources & Affinity Groups

Students often become involved in one or several of the many organizations formed on campus. What you get out of these organizations varies - you get what you put in! 

To connect and unite Hispanic professionals, students and the community with rich heritage, strong leadership and impactful initiatives.

This organization aims to promote awareness and tolerance of the LGBT Community and their allies. We also work to stop anti-LGBT bullying and help spread equality for everyone regardless of gender, race and sexual orientation. This inclusive group also provides a safe space for those who have questions or seek a place to be themselves.

The Asian Student Union's purpose is to educate the community of the many Asian cultures. We also provide to be a voice for the community.

The Black Student Union promotes the awareness of the African-American culture on campus and seeks to identify relevant issues and initiate appropriate action in order to support the needs of our African-American students to ensure their social, cultural, and academic success. It will also seek to provide enriching experiences and assure continuing development of progressive environment which is conducive to our African-American students in their quest to obtain a quality and meaningful education.

CRU is a Christian campus ministry organization formerly called Campus Crusade for Christ. Our mission is to multiply devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Enactus is an international organization that connects student, academic and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based projects that empower people to transform opportunities into real, sustainable progress for themselves and their communities. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus create and implement entrepreneurial projects around the globe. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and challenging world.

We have a heart to serve, challenge, and positively impact the students at Lakeland University through our shared love of sports.

The purpose of the Global Student Association is to promote, celebrate and embrace cultural diversity in the Lakeland University community.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, Christian based, housing ministry that works to eliminate poverty housing. Habitat contends that every man, woman and child should have a decent, affordable, safe place to live. Lakeland's Habitat Chapter participates in local builds, hosts fundraisers and participates in an annual spring break trip.

This group is dedicated to promoting a better campus understanding of Japan and the Japanese culture. JA is primarily a social group that serves as a forum for people to meet others who share interests in the Japanese culture.

Rotaract is a club that connects people locally and globally. Our mission is to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, help families, support education, and grow economies. In doing this we ensure we place others above self. Rotaract is a resource to bridge young professionals to leaders in the community.

The purpose of this group is to use a combination of prayer, socialization, service, and action to further develop Christianity and other faith expressions within the Lakeland University Community.

LGBTQQIA Terms

Intro text to explain why it's important to know/understand these terms.

    Resources: The Trevor Project & Penn State University

    A gender expression that expresses both masculine and feminine traits.

    Used to describe people who experience little to no sexual attraction. Many asexual people desire romantic relationships, and romantic orientations are a way for aces to communicate who they prefer to date or form relationships with.

    A binary system is something made up of two opposing parts. Gender (man/woman) and sex (male/female) are examples of binary systems.

    Used to describe people who have the capacity to form attraction and/or relationships to more than one gender.

    Used to describe people whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

    To recognize one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex identity, and to be open about it with oneself and with others.

    In the past, only men who are attracted to men have used the word “gay.” Now, it is common for “gay” to be used by anyone who is attracted to the same sex or gender.

    An idea created by society (A.K.A. a social construct) that tells us what certain genders are “supposed” to be like, based on a group of emotional, behavioral, and cultural characteristics (like how we express our feelings or how we dress).

    The way in which we present ourselves, which can include physical appearance, clothing, hairstyles, and behavior.

    Our internal understanding and experience of our own gender. Each person’s experience with their gender identity is unique and personal.

    Sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to a sex other than your own. Commonly thought of as “attraction to the opposite sex” but since there are not only two sexes (see intersex and transsexual), this definition is inaccurate.

    Sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to the same sex.

    Used to describe people who are born with any of several variations in sex characteristics including chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals that can’t be classified as typically male or female.

    A woman who is predominantly attracted to other women. Some women prefer the term “gay” – it’s all up to you and what fits your identity best.

    Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Ally, Pansexual, Polyamorous, Omnisexual, and Two-Spirit.

    People who are attracted to only one sex or gender. People who self-identify as straight, lesbian, or gay.

    Used to describe people who experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as outside of the male-female gender binary. Many other words for identities outside the traditional categories of man and woman may be used, such as genderfluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, demi gender, or agender. These identities, while similar, are not necessarily interchangeable or synonymous.

    People who attracted to more than one sex or gender. People who self-identify as bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, or any other nonmonosexual identity.

    A person who is attracted to one or more genders regardless of the other person’s sexual orientation.

    Used to describe people who are attracted to people of any gender or to people regardless of their gender. Some people may use the words bisexual and pansexual interchangeably, and others use only one word exclusively to describe themselves.

    Polyamory is the practice of having multiple open, honest relationships simultaneously.

    An umbrella term used to refer to an identity that expands outside of heterosexuality. Due to its history as a reclaimed slur and use in political movements, queer still holds political significance.

    Used to describe a person who may be processing or questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

    A person’s physical, romantic, emotional, and/or spiritual attraction to another person. Everyone has a sexual orientation.

    An umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Many transgender people will transition to align their gender expression with their gender identity, however, you do not have to transition in order to be transgender.

    The social, legal, and/or medical process a trans person may go through to make their gender identity fit their gender expression, presentation, or sex. This word means many different things to different people, and a person doesn’t have to experience all or any of these common transitioning elements to identify as their true gender.

    A term created by First Nations/Native American/Indigenous peoples whose sexual orientation and/or gender/sex exists in ways that challenge colonial constructions of a gender binary. This term should not be appropriated to describe people who are not First Nations/Native American/Indigenous members.

    Pronouns

    Intro text about pronouns and why it is important to know/understand.

    Some people may use multiple pronouns. You can use any of those pronouns that they allow.

    • He/Him/His
    • She/Her/Hers
    • They/Them/Their
    • Xe/Xem/Xyr
    • Ey/Em/Eir
    • Zie/Zim/Zir
    • Ve/Ver/Vis
    • Ne/Nem/Nir

    Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out!

    We are here to help and answer any questions you may have.