Equity & Inclusion at Otterbein University
Otterbein has a long-standing commitment to equity and inclusion that dates back to our founding.
It’s true that our history includes moments and commitments that can make us proud about Otterbein’s long-standing position of inclusiveness. It’s also true throughout our history–including current day–that we can and should expect more of ourselves as individuals, as a community, and as an institution.
We believe we’re better if we learn and grow together to address the issues. The work, the need for understanding and respect — it’s never done.
Read on to learn more about Otterbein’s ongoing commitment and the people and events that help shape our shared experience and our values.
On this page:
Authentic Voices
We want to celebrate and highlight Otterbein University’s diversity throughout the years!
Otterbein student Desmond Fernandez talks about his experiences as a person of color on campus.
Student Organizations
Faculty & Staff Diversity
Otterbein is committed to extending its legacy to recruit a more diverse faculty, student body and staff; to foster a climate that doesn’t just accommodate differences but celebrates them; and to provide rich opportunities for learning from our differences.
ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT
“One of my favorite queer theorists says that the most important question we can ask another human being is, ‘Who are you?’ Because through our ability to really hear the answer, the other person will get heard, seen, and understood.”
Dr. Suzanne Ashworth
Professor, Departments of English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Recognized with the 2021 Ohio LGBTQ+ Leadership Award from the Ohio Diversity Council.
Equity & Inclusion News at Otterbein
Peace and Justice Award Winner Looks to Multicultural Students to Stay Grounded
News - February 22, 2024
Otterbein Partners with Church of the Master to Support Faith and Spiritual Life
News - February 12, 2024
Super Bowl Party, Black-Tie Ball, Career Night: Check out these Black History Month Events!
News - February 9, 2024
It’s Black History Month, and there has never been a better time to get involved with Otterbein’s Office of Social Justice and Activism (OSJA) or join a student organization like the Black Student Union, Men of Vision, or Sisters United. The OSJA and these student organizations are offering a great lineup of events for Black History Month, open to all students. Men of Vision invites you to attend their Super Bowl Party from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, at…
Professors and High School Students Research Structural Racism for Traveling Exhibit
News - November 22, 2023
Otterbein University, in collaboration with the Westerville Public Library, is hosting a traveling interactive exhibit called “Undesign the Redline.” The exhibit allows viewers to explore the history of structural racism caused by the 1938 redlining maps and delve into how this inequality continues to impact our communities today, focusing on the ways in which we can come together to “undesign” these systems with intentionality. YWCA Columbus, along with several local partners, initially brought “Undesign the Redline” to Columbus in 2022…
Alumnus Tony Bishop Talks Sports and Social Change with Students
News - November 22, 2023
Tony Bishop III ’15 MSAH ’18 never misses a chance to come back to campus to visit the people who helped him become a leader and talk to the next generation of leaders. And current students can learn a thing or two from Bishop, whose path to his current job has been more of a zigzag than a straight line. In November, Bishop was invited to speak to the students of Senior Instructor Dan Steinberg’s Freshman Year Experience class, Sports…
Otterbein Sorority Collecting Food for Local Families this Thanksgiving
News - November 14, 2023
By Maggie Nicol ’25 Spreading love can be shown in various ways. With the holidays fast approaching many express their love through making food or giving to those in need. Otterbein sorority Theta Nu has partnered with the Mid-Ohio Food Bank to donate canned foods for the upcoming holidays. The food bank is based out of Grove City and collects and distributes food to families who are in need. The food bank’s mission is: “To end hunger one nourishing meal…
Meet Otterbein’s New Director for the Office of Social Justice and Activism
News - October 13, 2023
In the short time Selethia Benn has been on campus, she has made a big impression. With her background in K-12 education, she brings a fresh perspective and energy that has been appreciated on campus. Students have made the Office of Social Justice and Activism a popular hangout and safe space, and faculty and staff have found her to be a valuable resource. Let’s Learn more about Otterbein’s new director of the Office of Social Justice and Activism, Selethia Benn.…Otterbein's Equity & Inclusion Statement
In its mission to be an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person in the context of humane values, Otterbein University is committed to the values and practices of diversity and inclusion. The Otterbein Community considers diversity a source of innovation, creativity, and human flourishing. Diversity refers to the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance.Such differences include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
To ensure that all members of the Otterbein Community have the opportunity to participate and contribute to the community, the University is committed to inclusive practices. In an inclusive organization, each person’s resources and contributions are recognized, respected, and used in service to the organization’s goals; it is a place where people feel valued, respected, and heard, and where people are fully able to contribute.
Otterbein considers diversity as an integral part of the University’s achievement of excellence. Diversity and inclusion have the ability to broaden and deepen both the educational experience and academic environment. In a diverse campus community that promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect, and open discussion, students, faculty, and staff have the ability to learn from their similarities, differences, and personal experiences. Such conditions foster the development of understanding and recognition, in that all members benefit from the opportunity to hear alternative points of view from diverse social groups, preparing them to participate in an increasingly complex, interdependent, and pluralistic world.
The practices of diversity and inclusion provide the conditions for life-long learning, as well as the conditions for exploration and human flourishing. Educational practices that incorporate civil communication and inclusive participation can promote mutual respect and make possible the full, effective use of the talents and abilities of all to foster innovation and excellence.
Otterbein is committed to recognizing and nurturing merit, talent, and achievement by supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its education, services, and administration, as well as research and creative activity. The University particularly acknowledges the acute need to remove barriers to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of talented students, faculty, and staff from historically excluded populations who are currently underrepresented.
Incident Reporting
If you see, hear or experience an incident of bias or discrimination, complete our Bias Incident Reporting form. You can also contact the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at 614-823-1554. For more information, visit our Bias Response Information page. If you believe you may have witnessed a crime, you can report anonymously through the Silent Witness Form, or call OPD at 614-823-1222. If this is an emergency, call 911.