Inclusive SDSU
SDSU Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
San Diego State University is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that values, honors, and respects all members of our University community. As stated in our University Senate statement on diversity, we are a community diverse in race, ethnicity, language, culture, social class, national origin, religious and political belief, age, ability, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.
This fundamental commitment to diversity:
Enriches the institution and provides an atmosphere in which all human potential is valued.
Promotes learning through interactions among people of different backgrounds and many perspectives.
Better enables the university to prepare all members of its community to promote social responsibility, equity, freedom, and productive citizenship in a global society.
We are committed to cultivating a campus climate that promotes human dignity, civility, and mutual appreciation for the uniqueness of each member of our community. Freedom from discrimination, harassment, and violence against persons or property is a basic right and is requisite for learning. SDSU commits to protecting Freedom of speech and encourages all members of the community to promote educational opportunities that appropriately address acts of intolerance around events that have separated us as a people.
We also commit to working together to build a more inclusive environment supportive of the University’s educational mission. The full statement on diversity as a part of the SDSU Mission and Goals within the University Senate Policy File.
Purpose of the Inclusive SDSU Communication System
San Diego State University has established the Inclusive SDSU Communication System to be based in the Division of Diversity and Innovation in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs. The purpose of the system is to document instances that promote our campus commitment, as well as those that fall short. The Division of Diversity and Innovation will use these submissions to identify patterns, to recognize and celebrate extraordinary acts of inclusion, and to develop strategies for community improvement where needed.
The Inclusive SDSU Communication System does not replace existing policies or normal avenues of reporting.
- Graffiti in campus bathrooms or facilities that contains messages that put-down or degrade groups based on their identities.
- Fliers posted on campus that contain messages of bias [unapproved fliers will be removed]
- Someone proselytizing on campus property and making derogatory comments about groups based on their identities
- A person receiving an award or honor for their work in advocating for underserved communities
- A department or unit that experiences success in improving outcomes for students from underserved communities
- A professor of staff member who has dedicated a significant portion of their time to mentoring, advising, and supporting students from diverse communities
- A department bringing together different groups to build a cohesive community of support and affirmation
- Racial slurs (verbal and/or written) directed at an individual that unreasonably interfere with the individual’s work or education
- Denial of access to certain educational programs or activities based on the individual’s membership in a protected class
- Retaliation by a faculty, staff or student due to the individual’s participation in a university investigation into unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation
- Unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
- Physical sexual acts against a person’s will or where they were incapable of providing consent
- Intimidation, aggression, or hostility based on sex
- Stereotypying based on sex
Consistent with CSU Executive Orders 1096, 1097 and 1098, if you have experienced an incident of discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual misconduct (including dating and domestic violence, or stalking), please contact the Title IX Deputy Coordinators for Students, Faculty, Staff, and visitors or the Deputy Coordinator for Athletics.
Hate Crimes (Hate crimes should be formally reported to the University Police by calling 619-594-1991 or emailing [email protected].)
How are Submissions Handled?
Submissions to the system are reviewed by the Inclusive SDSU Communication Team, documented, and monitored over time.
The Inclusive SDSU Communication Team is comprised of trained and caring representatives from:
- Associated Students
- Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Counseling & Psychological Services
- Division of Student Affairs
- Division of Diversity and Innovation
- Office of Employee Relations and Compliance
- Title IX Coordinator
- Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
- Student Ombudsman
- University Police
The Team will review communication submissions primarily to assess campus climate issues and patterns of activity. If the Team believes that further action may be needed, it may take additional actions. For example, reports regarding extraordinary acts of diversity and inclusion may be forwarded to Strategic Communications and Public Affairs. Please note that if a submission appears to suggest a violation of one of the CSU Executive Orders, or a violation of the law, then the Team will provide the person(s) filing the submission with information on appropriate offices and existing reporting channels if they would like to submit their concerns for further review and action. To the extent permitted by law and/or policy, the Team will keep submissions to Inclusive SDSU confidential if the reporter so requests. We will always ask permission before using your submission in connection with celebrating acts of diversity and inclusion on campus.
If you are interested in submitting a communication to Inclusive SDSU, please do so through our Inclusive SDSU Form.
Meet Our Team
Angela Coker, Ph.D.
Director of Inclusive SDSU and an Associate Professor in the Department of Women’s Studies
Dr. Coker has held academic appointments at Johns Hopkins University, The University of Missouri – St. Louis, and The University of Alabama at Birmingham. For over twenty years her professional career has been in the area of Counselor Education and Supervision with a research focus on the intersections of race, gender and class.
Daniel Fernandez
Outreach Graduate Assistant for Inclusive SDSU
Daniel Fernandez is a current M.S student in the Multicultural Counseling Community Based Block (CBB) Program, and serves as a graduate assistant for Inclusive SDSU. He graduated with his B.A from San Diego State University in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major back in 2019. He plans to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) after graduating, envisions to work as a therapist for university students, and hopes to run his own private practice in the future.
Dawn Freeman
Programming Graduate Assistant for Inclusive SDSU
Dawn is a first year M.S. student in the Community Based Block (CBB) program at SDSU with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Counseling and Social Justice Education. She also recently graduated in May 2020 from SDSU in Psychology and Counseling/Social Change. She plans to work within Higher Education as a Counselor to serve undergraduate students.
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