About the Diversity Action Committee

Note:

The DAC blog will continue to be archived in compliance with SB 17 and with the University of Texas’s guidelines relating to implementation of the law.  No posts will be created or updated. Existing content will remain on the site. 

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Mission Statement:

The University of Texas Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee is an all-volunteer group of staff committed to supporting and promoting the libraries’ core value of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). We work to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive library culture by hosting strategic educational opportunities for library staff and advocating for inclusive practices in collections, services, communication, workplace environment, hiring, retention, and promotion. We value diverse perspectives and acknowledge the historical barriers that have marginalized certain communities and individuals in library spaces. We enable staff throughout UT Libraries to participate in trainings and engage with resources. We actively seek to create inclusive services and partnerships among our campus and local communities, as well as represent and highlight diversity in our collections and in the library profession. This ongoing work enables us to better serve and represent the diverse population at the University of Texas.

Goal Statement:

Our goal is to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive work and research environment that respects differences in identity among our staff, profession, and the communities we serve, including those of race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, dis/ability, socioeconomic class, language, culture, caste, and national identity as well as the myriad ways intersectionality compounds the ways individuals experience these issues.

The University of Texas Libraries Diversity Action Committee – Guiding Statements

  • We are committed to promoting diversity through inclusivity education and advocacy initiatives.
  • Our vision is to cultivate a culture that welcomes and respects all individuals and communities.
  • We focus on issues of race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, dis/ability, socioeconomic class, language, culture, and national identity as well as the myriad ways intersectionality impact individuals.

Learn more about UTL’s commitment to Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility.

Read DAC’s 6/22/2020 Statement on Racial Justice.