A Statement on Diversity

The Department of Clinical Child Psychology (DCCP) aspires to a world of harmony, unity, equity, and inclusion that is free from hate and discrimination. As a program, we aim to create an environment that centers cultural humility, where everyone is welcomed, celebrated, and respected. We also aim to provide training that enhances diversity, equity, inclusiveness, representativeness, and sense of belonging within the profession. Current and historical systems of oppression create barriers that work to exclude people of marginalized identities. The DCCP recognizes the importance of diversity in research, clinical practice, service, advocacy, and in the field of clinical child and adolescent psychology generally. In research, our department acknowledges the value of amplifying marginalized voices and partnering with communities. Our clinical training emphasizes the importance of being sensitive and responsive to the cultural and diverse contexts of youth and their families. In the areas of service and advocacy, we value efforts to enhance equity and uplift communities. The DCCP unequivocally denounces all forms of hate and biases based on aspects of background or identity. Our mission is to develop leaders in the research, dissemination, and practice of psychological clinical science for children, youths, and their families. This includes developing psychologists who will lead the profession in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

Footnote: We define diversity broadly, relying on the definition provided in the APA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework. In this framework, the term “diverse” refers to the representation or composition of various social identity groups in a work group, organization, or community. The focus is on social identities that correspond to societal differences in power and privilege, and thus to the marginalization of some groups based on specific attributes—e.g., race, ethnicity, culture, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, spirituality, disability, age, national origin, immigration status, weight status, and language. (Other identities may also be considered where there is evidence of disparities in power and privilege.) There is a recognition that people have multiple identities and that social identities are intersectional and have different salience and impact in different contexts.