Monica KearneyThe Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland is committed to creating a respectful and affirming climate in which all students, staff, and faculty are inspired to achieve their full potential. In fulfilling this commitment, we must acknowledge the ways in which systems of oppression have excluded underrepresented groups from actively engaging in the field of Psychology, and more broadly, higher education. Moreover, we must contend with how these systems of oppression are not just a moment to acknowledge in our history, but how they continue to impact and shape the experiences of our students, faculty, and staff today.

The Department of Psychology created the role of Assistant Chair for Equity and Inclusion to coordinate and advance the Department’s anti-racism and anti-oppression efforts. I am excited to serve in the role of Assistant Chair for Equity and Inclusion in our Department. I look forward to working with our committed faculty, staff, and students to continue to advance our anti-oppression efforts within curriculum design, Departmental climate, and programming and professional development.

If you have an idea related to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and belonging that you would like to share, please email me or contact the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at psycinclusion [at] umd.edu () or click here.  To report an incident of hate or bias in the Department of Psychology, click here. 

                                                                                                                    

Monica Kearney, Ph.D. 

Assistant Chair, Equity and Inclusion

                                     

Department of Psychology's Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement

As a human, behavior-centered discipline, we value a strong understanding of diversity.  Diversity refers to differences in race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, abilities, class, nationality, and other factors. The Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland is committed to creating a respectful and affirming climate in which all students, staff, and faculty are inspired to achieve their full potential. 
We believe that actively fostering an affirming environment strengthens our department as a whole. A department that values and celebrates diversity among its students, staff and faculty is best able to develop the strengths and talents of all members of the department community.
We take a multi-pronged approach to creating an affirming climate within the Department of Psychology by:
  • Attracting, supporting and retaining faculty, students, and staff that represent the diversity of our community and field
  • Cultivating a culture of acceptance and inclusion in which diversity is integral, authentic, intrinsically valued, and visible
  • Welcoming honest and open discussion regarding diversity issues
  • Incorporating diversity as a central component of our academic curriculum
  • Enhancing awareness of diversity issues through ongoing research and applied work
  • Developing and strengthening relationships with a diverse community and international partners

Department of Psychology’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee Members

Faculty and Staff Members

  • Monica Kearney (Chair)
  • Lea Dougherty
  • Ethan Mereish
  • Nazish Salahuddin
  • Jennifer Wessel
  • Linda Zou

Graduate Student Members

  • Jessica Bonumwezi
  • Imani Brown
  • M Pease

Undergraduate Student Members

  • Anna Petersen
  • Chidinma Okeke (DEI Student Liaison)

Talk to us!

  • Do you have an idea about how to improve diversity and inclusion in our Psychology department?
  • Do you have a concern you would like to raise with the committee?
  • We welcome all feedback, ideas, and concerns: fill out this anonymous survey, email the committee at psycinclusion [at] umd.edu, or reach out directly to the committee chair Monica Kearney (msk0191 [at] umd.edu)

UMD Campus Resources:

Award/Scholarship Opportunities: 

Psychology Related Resources:

Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
Women/Gender
Ability/Disability
Nationality/International Issues
Multi-Issue/General Diversity

Student Caregiver

Department events and initiatives related to social justice and inclusion will be shared here. Please check back periodically!