Diversity
Our study abroad program is strongly committed to promoting and defending the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are working actively to eliminate any trace of structural racism, inequity and discriminatory behavior from our organization, as we look forward with enthusiasm to becoming not only a meeting point for people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and lifestyles, but a beacon capable of inspiring a bright new future.
Principles for social inclusion
We are very aware of the challenges present in both Spanish and American societies. With unacceptable practices that are deeply rooted within our personal behavior (subconscious or otherwise) and promoted through the systems in power, and by extension our educational systems, there is much work to be done by everyone. For this reason, here at ALBA, we have decided to start by laying out the foundation for improvement by carving our principles in stone:
Protecting
ALBA is a safe space for belonging, communicating, sharing, and learning. Any form of discrimination or abuse of power detected on any level will not be tolerated. Whether perpetrated by a student, professor, staff, or administration, we will work hard to identify the existence of these practices and take necessary steps to remove them from our institution.
Consolidating
As an educational institution, we must take a stance of actively informing and engaging the field of education abroad in a way that fosters inclusion, promotes equity and combats structural racism. We also have the obligation to provide our students with unbiased information, allowing them to form their own opinion, and find their own means to fight discrimination, inequity and exclusion. To this end, we must provide our professors with the appropriate environment and tools to encourage openness and facilitate a healthy, tolerant dialogue between students and themselves.
Diversity Committee
Our Diversity Committee is comprised of a group of people that work together to implement, improve and protect ALBA’s diversity principles. The team has the obligation to remain neutral in its composition by including an ALBA student or alumn, a professor and a member of staff.
Reporting
Do you wish to report a diversity issue within ALBA? Do you feel that you’ve been subject to discrimination, inequity or abuse of power in any way, or have you witnessed this occurring to another student? If so, we encourage you to please speak up and make us aware of the situation.
A report can be made by speaking with a member of the Diversity Committee (or with another staff member with whom you feel comfortable), or by using the following form to transmit your testimony. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may do so by leaving the name and email fields empty.