Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

As a Catholic Mercy Institution of higher education, we uphold the inherent dignity and worth of all people. In accordance with our mission and Mercy values, we cultivate inclusivity and foster diversity that supports human well-being. We affirm all people as persons, whatever their age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, immigration status, nationality, religion, ability, or any other identity. We denounce all acts of hatred and seek to build equity for all.

Interested in Safe Zone training?

MMU offers Safe Zone training to increase awareness and show coMMUnity support.

Register for training

Our name is Mercy. Our spirit is compassion.

MMU's diversity office ensures that everyone feels safe in their identity, safe on campus, gets engaged, and is represented. We advocate, consult, provide guidance, and work across campus resources. We expect the mercy heritage is extended to all:

  • Abilities
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Nationality
  • Sex
  • Orientation
  • Economic Status
  • Religion

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity Strategic Action Plan

This plan is a catalyst for reflection, creation, and action on campus and to create a sense of belonging for all at Mount Mercy University.

Learn more

AmeriCorps Campus Compact Program

Students passionate about social justice and civic action can join the Diversity and International Student Success Ambassadors program. Through Mount Mercy University’s partnership with AmeriCorps’ Campus Compact program, students will become social justice advocates and gain practical experience for future advocacy work.

Students will receive the following benefits: 

  •          In-depth social justice advocacy training 
  •          Community engagement research practice 
  •          Collaboration opportunities with local non-profits 
  •          Experience in program development and capacity building 
  •          Education award from AmeriCorps upon successful program completion

Bias Policy

We are committed to ensuring that our campus community is a safe place where all students thrive. Therefore our policy is to robustly safeguard our mission, values and statement of inclusion throughout our campus which includes our faculty, staff, student body and invited guest. There is zero tolerance for any acts of aggression, discrimination, name-calling or prejudice; particularly against any person that is a member of any group that has systematically experienced violence or exclusion due to social and policy inequities. 

File a Report

Gender & Sexuality Alliance

The Faculty-Staff Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) works with Mount Mercy’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to support LGBTQ+ campus members, especially students, and to help the campus welcome and learn about LGBTQ+ culture.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee promotes the university’s collective efforts to:

  • Grow in diversity as a community by actively recruiting student populations that are underrepresented in our population.
  • Create productive, meaningful encounters with different perspectives in a welcoming multicultural environment.
  • Ensure the success and safety of individuals with marginalized identities, varying economic status, and abilities.
  • Develop programs, services, and initiatives that help educate, support, and engage the campus in social justice and equity.

Committee Members

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Charles Martin-Stanley II
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
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Sister Linda Bechen
Vice President of Mission & Ministry
Jennie-Schmidt-headshot.jpg Jennifer Schmidt
Associate Professor of Education
Suarez-Belkis-headshot.jpg Belkis Suarez
Associate Professor of Spanish
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Human Resources Officer
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Emma Lantz
President Student Government Association
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Robyn Clark-Bridges
Librarian
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Hannah Saltmarsh
Assistant Professor of English
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Gabriel Hernandez Acosta
Assistant Director of Enrollment Operations and Slate Captain