Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Touro was founded on the Judaic values of justice, respect, and kindness. Intellectual inquiry and civil discourse in the consideration of diverse viewpoints are hallmarks of the Judaic tradition. As such, we embrace the concepts of diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all in our higher education community. To ensure the practical application of these values, we have established an Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. The Office will reflect the values of inclusion and human dignity, and will lead the University in eliminating all kinds of bias and anti-Semitism from our learning community, including bias inherent in intersectional ideologies.

We support the positive virtues of agency, responsibility, and human potential articulated by the medieval Jewish philosopher, Maimonides: “We each decide whether to make ourselves learned or ignorant, compassionate or cruel, generous or miserly. No one forces us. No one decides for us. No one drags us along one path or the other. We are responsible for what we are.”

We also support the sentiment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said, “People should not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Touro is committed to providing all its diverse constituents a sense of belonging and respect as they pursue their educational and professional goals.

Mission of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The mission of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is to ensure the promotion of a culture of inclusion across the University’s campuses where every individual – faculty, staff, and students - can feel welcome and can thrive. Working collaboratively with the University community, the Office will design, implement, and assess policies surrounding diversity, inclusion and belonging consistent with Touro University’s mission and values, accreditation standards and legal requirements.

Goals and Responsibilities

Goals and Responsibilities of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging include:

• Develop a centralized Touro University statement on Diversity and Inclusion, that guides local campus statements and initiatives.
• Serve as a thought leader to academic and administrative leadership on issues surrounding diversity, inclusion, and belonging across the Touro University System.
• Serve as a resource for university-wide and local campus committees on issues of diversity and inclusion.
• Review and monitor content, policies and procedures on diversity initiatives.
• Collaborate with Offices of Student Affairs and Student Administrative Services on implementing effective procedures to ensure diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the student body.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on implementing effective procedures promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all employees.
• Participate in the ongoing assessment of the University’s processes and outcomes ensuring diversity, inclusion and belonging.
• Work with the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness on data reports referencing diversity and inclusion.
• Monitor and ensure appropriate attention to diversity, by the University and its programs.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leadership