As faculty, staff, and students in the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program, we recognize that historically underrepresented individuals and groups experience marginalization, exclusion, and hostility, even within our own institution. We are dedicated to inclusive and collaborative research, teaching, and outreach, and we are invested in making a difference in our academic and broader communities with a strengths-based approach to social justice. Our guiding values are equality, compassion, listening respectfully to all voices, and remaining hopeful as we work towards justice for all.

These values underlie our work to reduce inequality, promote inclusivity and honor the diverse experiences of all. Our learning environments are designed to promote connection with underrepresented and marginalized youth and families, and our principles encompass understanding all families and individuals, not simply those who are like us. We seek to be agents of social change across many spheres of influence. Through our research, teaching, and service, we commit to:

1. creating and promoting opportunities for all voices to be expressed in non-threatening environments; 
2. developing and fostering relationships that encourage open communication and facilitate change; 
3. dismantling hidden structures of privilege and empower individual opportunity. 

In doing so, we acknowledge that striving for social justice is a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable process that requires continued commitment to individual growth and an awareness of our own privileges and imperfections along the way.

Moving forward, we take action with optimism and empathy for those who need support, listening to those whose voices are silenced or dismissed, and advocating for those who need advocates.