Diversity Commitment

Diversity as a Core Value

Because counseling, psychology, special education and rehabilitation are rooted in education and the social sciences, they are inevitably bound up in values and the desire by all individuals for an interpersonal environment of safety and respect. Because counselors, special educators, and psychologists often work with individuals who have been "marginalized" in one way or another, it is imperative that those who aspire to graduate degrees in special education, rehabilitation, counseling and school psychology hold tolerance to be among their most central values.

Tolerance for, and the valuing of, diversity is expected of all students who are accepted into the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling (SERC). In particular, the department expects that students will be respectful and supportive of individuals (including, but not limited to clients, classmates, and faculty) who are different from themselves in terms of sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, religious preference, or disability.

Standards for student behavior exceed the idea of "non-discrimination." When students encounter classmates who are of a different ethnicity, who have a different sexual orientation or different religious values, etc., it is the assumption of the department that students will work to help create a climate of safety and trust for all concerned. The department recognizes that few individuals (whether they be faculty or students) are completely free from all forms of prejudices. Furthermore, it is expected that there will be a range of attitudes and values concerning controversial issues. Nonetheless, enrollment in programs in the department is seen as a commitment to the social value of tolerance and to the process of self examination so that such prejudices may be evaluated in the light of both scientific data and the traditions of cooperation and mutual respect which, when used, have well served the human community.

Prospective students who have reservations about their ability to show such tolerance in all the areas listed above should understand that the department's programs, while committed to supporting the positive personal development of all enrolled students, will not support behaviors which are judged by the faculty to be highly intolerant. Although the department will take no action to abridge one's constitutional right of free speech, tolerance for the values of others is a factor which may be used to evaluate students.

Students will, in the course of their training, inevitably encounter clients who are from different cultures, who hold different values from them, who are of different sexual orientations, etc. Students are required to honor not merely the relevant association's ethical standards (e.g. ACA, APA, CACREP, CORE) but also to be familiar with and to abide by the various association guidelines which address issues of diversity.

For information concerning diversity and multicultural affairs at Auburn University, visit: http://www.auburn.edu/administration/multicultural_affairs/

Last Updated: Apr 01, 2011