DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Butler University
| 5 Min Read
The U.S. population is becoming more diverse. According to the Census Bureau, the diversity index was 61.1 percent in 2020, meaning there was a 61.1 percent chance that two randomly chosen people were from different racial or ethnic groups.1 That percentage has increased since the 2010 census, when the diversity index was 54.9 percent.
In alignment with this trend, students are seeking out diversity in college. A recent study found that out of more than 20,000 respondents, 42 percent reported that a diverse student body was appealing, with an additional 37 percent saying it was a “must-have in their college experience.”2
Butler University has a long tradition of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. From its founding in 1855, Butler has worked to create a learning environment where everyone is valued, inspired, respected, and able to flourish.3 Read on to learn more about the university’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)resources and how they contribute to providing a high-quality academic experience.
What is Diversity in University Education?
In higher education, DEIB involves providing a learning environment in which students, faculty, and staff are valued, accepted, and respected regardless of:
- Race
- National origin
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Ability
- Color
- Economic means
- Marital or parental status
- Political affiliation
Inclusive universities offer a wide range of benefits for students. For example, a learning environment that prioritizes diversity ensures that every student receives a well-rounded education incorporating diverse perspectives.
DEIB in college also prepares students to enter the workplace by providing exposure to people different from themselves and building skills like adaptability, accountability, respect, and empathy. An inclusive university culture is especially valuable for students planning to pursue careers in mental health and social services, where cultural competence is essential to provide inclusive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Butler’s DEIB Student Resources
Butler’s commitment to social justice, intercultural development, and shared responsibility supports our mission to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university. We are proud to be recognized as a top performer in social mobility4 and ranked among the top Indiana universities for student life.5 Recognition like this highlights the supportive, collaborative learning environment Butler offers all our students – both on campus and online.
Explore diversity and inclusion resources and initiatives available to the Butler community below.
Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS)
Butler offers a variety of mental health resources for all current students, including licensed professional counseling staff, crisis services, community referrals, and more. CCS is committed to helping Butler students achieve their academic and personal goals, promote their holistic well-being, and enhance their college experience.
Diversity Course (ED 630)
This course is designed to help students develop multicultural and advocacy competencies for working with people of diverse groups. Students develop awareness of their own cultural values and biases, study prevalent beliefs and attitudes of different cultures, and develop skills useful for appropriate interactions with particular groups in the workplace and beyond.
Student Disability Services (SDS)
As part of Butler’s commitment to accessibility, students with documented disabilities can access individualized accommodation and support. To schedule an appointment or request information about SDS, please email sds@butler.edu.
LinkedIn Learning
Butler’s partnership with LinkedIn Learning ensures that students, faculty, and staff can participate in accessible professional and personal development opportunities related to diversity, inclusion, and more. These self-paced courses can be completed in any order, allowing you to earn certifications for your LinkedIn profile.
The Fortnightly Literary Book Collection
We’ve partnered with the Irwin Library to offer a curated book collection featuring Black authors and experiences. Designed to increase engagement with Black cultural and intellectual knowledge, the collection includes over 200 books and continues to grow.
For more information about DEIB at Butler, visit our website.
How You Can Impact DEIB at Butler and Beyond
While diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at the university level are essential for promoting belonging, there are also many ways you can create positive change through DEIB in college. Here are some ideas for how students – specifically online learners – can contribute to an inclusive university culture.
- Share your background and experiences: Opening up about your cultural and personal background in discussion boards and conversations with faculty and peers helps promote an inclusive classroom environment.
- Attend cultural events: Participating in virtual or in-person university programs and community events outside your culture or identity is a great way to connect with others while exploring diverse perspectives.
- Promote inclusivity in the classroom: Butler online classes often include group projects and other opportunities to interact with peers. Use preferred pronouns to help others feel supported and seen.
- Speak up about discrimination: If you encounter exclusion or bias, reporting an incident is the best way to ensure it can be addressed. Butler’s Office of Institutional Equity provides a confidential online form for this purpose.
If you are passionate about championing DEIB practices outside of the classroom, consider choosing a career path where inclusivity is at the forefront and where you will have opportunities to drive direct and systemic change. Butler offers two counseling degree programs in a fully online format that are ideal for those who want to make a positive impact on social issues in their careers.
The online M.S. in Mental Health Counseling offers hands-on training and a pathway to dual Indiana licensure in mental health counseling and clinical addictions counseling. Our online M.S. in School Counseling prepares you for Indiana licensure as a pre-K-12 school counseling professional.
Both programs feature 100% online coursework for flexibility and can be completed in 2.5 to 3 years. You’ll learn from expert faculty, complete 700 field experience hours, and study in-depth coursework that prepares you to improve the lives of individuals from diverse communities and all walks of life.
Learn more about the online counseling programs available from Butler today.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau. Exploring the Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Various Age Groups. Retrieved November 2024, from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2023/09/exploring-diversity.html.
- Inside Higher Ed. Potential Students Value Diversity. Retrieved November 2024, from https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/11/07/survey-finds-potential-students-value-diversity.
- Butler University. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Retrieved January 2025, from https://www.butler.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/.
- U.S. News & World Report: Education. Butler University Rankings. Retrieved November 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/butler-university-1788/overall-rankings.
- Niche.com. 2025 Colleges with the Best Student Life in Indiana. Retrieved November 2024, from https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-student-life/s/indiana.
