Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice
23 Mellen Street
617.349.8608
edij@lesley.edu
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice | Lesley University
About Us
The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) builds, sustains, and grows Lesley University's EDIJ capabilities. We work with students, faculty, and professional staff, to help weave equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice throughout all levels and functions of the University’s structure. We create the conditions for everyone in the community to have an enriching and meaningful experience at Lesley. Our approach to Institutional Excellence is grounded in providing opportunities for everyone to participate equally in shaping the experience of Lesley's EDIJ culture - one that reflects a true sense of welcoming, belonging, and shared purpose.
Our Departments
Multicultural Affairs and Social Inclusion (MASI)
We create welcoming environments that enable Lesley's diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to interact with one another through meaningful dialogue and engagement that bridge their differences and strengthen the Lesley community. This department supports affinity spaces for students, resource groups for faculty and staff, wellness and brave spaces, lectures on global topics, and various other ways for students, faculty, and staff to engage around equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice at Lesley and beyond.
Training, Education, and Development
We create learning programs and development experiences that recognize and value diverse perspectives throughout our community. Through educational programming and resource curation we create opportunities for transformation and change at the personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural levels of the institution. Our aim is to make Lesley a stronger community of learners, teachers, and professionals, as well as to enable students to incorporate equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice in their lives, their communities, or wherever their paths take them.
Equal Opportunity and Title IX
The Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at Lesley is responsible for addressing and responding to reports of discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct and other forms of identity-based harm, to help create a campus where all members of our community have access to the University. In light of this mission, we work to promote equal opportunity and inclusion for all individuals. We also engage with students, faculty, and staff to give members of our community the tools they need to create the conditions that optimally support and enhance our equity and inclusion efforts.
Urban Scholars Initiative (USI)
The Urban Scholars Initiative (USI) serves the mission of making college access and success obtainable for first-generation college students of Greater Boston. At Lesley, we know potential isn't defined by socioeconomic status. That's why USI provides tuition assistance, individualized success coaching, tutoring, as well as book and supply stipends, to support students' financial, academic, and emotional needs. Since launching in 2013, more than 100 students have graduated, and our retention rates have remained consistently high at 80%.