Statement On Diversity
The Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation Service seeks to provide a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for all persons who seek our services. We believe that all humans are bonded not only by universal longings for justice, peace, growth, and community, but also, paradoxically, by our diversity. The range of human diversity we value includes, but is not limited to, age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, language, nationality, physical appearance, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Our diversity enlivens, challenges, and ultimately strengthens the human community, thereby enhancing our ability to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, not all diversity is universally valued. For this reason, we feel a special obligation as a mental health agency to affirm diversity, to condemn oppression in every form, and to encourage the utilization of our services by all students, including those who may be experiencing discriminatory acts or other forms of oppression.
In addition, we seek to promote an environment of safety and respect in our campus community and among our staff and clients with regard to the issue of diversity. In this environment we, ourselves diverse individuals, can challenge each other towards greater understanding and appreciation of diversity through the free exchange of ideas and information. We fully understand that attitudes towards diversity are themselves diverse, and we believe the humanity of all persons, regardless of their views on diversity, must be honored.
As the world becomes smaller, and as each community, including OSU, becomes more globalized, we, as the staff of a mental health agency, commit ourselves to a process of enlightenment and growth on the issue of diversity. We see this both as an ethical imperative and as a part of the core mission of our university and our agency.
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