Human Development and Family Studies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Human Development and Family Studies Ramily is a caring supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued and all voices are heard.
Our Commitment
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is committed to enhancing diversity in all forms as described in the University Diversity Plan. Our goals specifically linked to diversity include:
- Develop and coordinate active recruitment and retention programs for undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds and underserved groups
- Grow the base of faculty, administrative professional, classified employees, and graduate assistants who are from diverse backgrounds and/or who focus on diversity issues as their research interest
- Strengthen HDFS research that focuses on diversity and diverse populations
- Grow the knowledge base and awareness of cultural competence among faculty, graduate students, administrative professionals, and classified staff

Statement of Solidarity - Black Rams Matter
We stand in solidarity with our Black community, and we wholeheartedly endorse the sentiments expressed by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, the President of Colorado State University, and the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is committed to addressing racism and anti-Blackness at all levels, including institutional and individual, and aligning our actions with all efforts to advance social justice.
CSU President Joyce McConnell, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, and Dean Lise Youngblade issued statements of support and solidarity for the Black and African American communities surrounding recent racist events. Statement from President Joyce McConnell Statement from the CSU Office of the Vice President for Diversity Statement from Dean Lise Youngblade Joint Statement from the School of Education and the RISE Center – Includes Resources School of Social Work Committee for Social Justice Resources for Talking about Race and Racism with Kids from CSU’s Early Childhood Center

HDFS Diversity Resources
Diversity Resources
College Strategic Plan
The College’s 2021 Strategic Plan outlines diversity-related goals and objectives: “Promote diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusive excellence by identifying, preventing, and intervening to address disparities in health and well-being and educational and social opportunity.”
RISE Center
The Race and Intersectional Studies in Educational Equity Center in the School of Education brings together researchers and community members to advance intersectional racial justice and equity.
Assistive Technology Resource Center
The Assistive Technology Resource Center in the Department of Occupational Therapy offers resources for students and employees to help enhance learning for people with disabilities.
Accessibility by Design Website
The Accessibility by Design website offers tools for faculty and staff for creating electronically accessible materials to support diversity and inclusion for all types of learners.
Office of the Vice President for Diversity
The VPD Office fosters an inclusive environment at CSU. Find out more about their priorities.
Principles of Community
The Principles of Community support CSU’s mission and provide a collaborative framework for engaging with one another.
Student Diversity Programs and Services
CSU has a number of diversity offices that promote multiculturalism and support students on campus.
CSU Land Acknowledgement
CSU’s land acknowledgment recognizes the long history of Native peoples who originally lived on the land where the University is now located.