Introduction

The University of Scranton is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing it as an integral aspect of our Catholic and Jesuit identity, mission, and tradition. The University strives to frame its mission, strategy and policies within the body of Catholic Social Teaching, that deep and profound collection of teachings that calls us to recognize the dignity of each and every human person, to work together in building a truly just society, and to live lives of faith, hope and love. In doing so, the University participates in the life and mission of the Church for the purpose of having an authentic impact on all those it serves and who comprise its community.

The Church has therefore the vocation in the midst of the world to be the people redeemed and reconciled with God and among themselves, forming “one body, one spirit in Christ,” and giving witness before all to respect and love…The Church has the sublime vocation of realizing, first of all within herself, the unity of humankind over and above any ethnic, cultural, national, social or other divisions in order to signify precisely that such divisions are now obsolete, having been abolished by the cross of Christ (“The Church and Racism: Towards a More Fraternal Society”, Pontifical Commission on Justice and Peace, 1988, #22).

But, as Pope Francis pointed out in his encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti (2020), “goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day. It is not possible to settle for what was achieved in the past and complacently enjoy it, as if we could somehow disregard the fact that many of our brothers and sisters still endure situations that cry out for our attention.” Put another way, the vision described by the Pontifical Commission (above), is an ongoing project and a human effort aided by grace.

As we present this strategic plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, it is our intention and hope to remain focused on the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching as a source of inspiration for creating and fostering a truly inclusive community, thereby advancing our shared mission for generations to come.