A wide range of programs allows our community to engage in the work in meaningful ways.
Transformative Justice and Bias Response
At the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the Division of Institutional Equity’s Office of Transformative Justice and Bias Response embodies the university’s unwavering commitment to inclusive excellence. Utilizing a transformative justice framework, we address bias incidents by focusing on healing, community accountability, and systemic change. Our approach not only seeks to repair harm and support those affected but also proactively transforms the cultural and structural conditions that contribute to inequity. Through education, culture-building initiatives, and responsive action, we strive to create a campus where all members feel valued and respected.
Learn more or seek support. More information coming soon.
The Collaborative: Community Collaborative for Inclusive Excellence (CCIE)
The Community Collaborative for Inclusive Excellence (CCIE), or “The Collaborative,” is a collective of university community members dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging across UMBC. Serving as representatives of key campus communities, CCIE members act as liaisons between the Division of Institutional Equity (DOIE) and their respective areas, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
UMBC Talks
UMBC Talks is a collaborative initiative that aims to enhance the sense of community, vibrancy, and well-being at UMBC through guided community conversations that reestablish our commitment to inclusive excellence and foster a sense of pride for what it truly means to be a UMBC Retriever. UMBC Talks is cosponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Institutional Equity.
Culture Builders
Culture building is the intentional process of developing and nurturing a set of shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization or community. Culture builders are actors who intentionally seek to foster a positive and productive environment.
Especially during times of deep societal polarization and loss of shared humanity, an inclusive and equitable culture benefits and requires everyone; we all have a role to play in building the culture we want to see. The Culture Builders Series at is a new semesterly speaker series at UMBC focused on connecting community and culture across difference. The series is designed to engage in topics and ideas grounded in shared community values, beliefs, and practices that pull us closer to a more loving and just campus. Learn more.
Beloved Community
What is a Beloved Community?
“The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community. The aftermath of nonviolence is redemption. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation… It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of [humans].” — Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., 1957 speech “A Birth of a New Nation”
The Beloved Community is a vision of a global society where all people can live in freedom, peace, and social equity, free from prejudice and discrimination. The term was popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, but its origins can be traced back to the work of philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce.
The Beloved Community is characterized by:
- Shared wealth: All people can share in the world’s wealth, and poverty, hunger, and homelessness are no longer tolerated.
- Peaceful conflict resolution: International disputes are resolved peacefully.
- Love and trust: Fear and hatred are overcome with love and trust.
- Community & Kinship: Racism and discrimination are replaced with an inclusive spirit of sisterhood, brotherhood, community and kinship.
A Vision for Beloved Community at UMBC: We strive to build a *beloved community*—a space where we honor the richness of our collective identities, perspectives, and experiences while fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging. Grounded in our institutional values of inclusive excellence, we work to ensure every member of our community feels seen, heard, and valued. As a university that redefines excellence in higher education, our inclusive culture connects innovative teaching and learning, interdisciplinary research, and civic engagement. Through the leadership of the Division of Institutional Equity (DoOIE), we uphold commitments to accessibility, equity, and justice, creating pathways for all to thrive.
A beloved community requires intentionality. It calls on us to reflect on challenging questions: Who is included? Whose voices matter? How can we honor our differences while building meaningful connections? In this work, we embrace a foundation of love, humanity, and equitable opportunity, recognizing that true belonging means making space for all, even in moments of disagreement.
Check back for Beloved Community Initiatives and Connection Points
DOIE Event Sponsorship Form
The Division of Institutional Equity (DOIE) invites UMBC Student Organizations and campus departments or offices to request financial sponsorships or collaboration to support initiatives that align with the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Sponsorships of up to $1,500 annually are available per organization or office.
More information coming soon.