Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Many Voices, One Community: A Place of Belonging

At Burman University, our educational framework is grounded in a sacred calling: to foster a campus culture where every individual is recognized as part of one global family, created in the divine image of God (Imago Dei), and invested with inherent worth, dignity, and value. Embracing our theme, "Many Voices, One Community: A Place of Belonging," we are dedicated to ensuring that diversity is not merely an abstract ideal, but an active, lived reality interwoven into the very fabric of our institutional mission, vision, and core values. 

Breaking Down Barriers and Deconstructing Boxes

Human society frequently constructs invisible walls—sorting people into narrow categories of race, culture, socio-economic background, nationality, ability, or academic discipline. When we view others through the lens of rigid assumptions, we limit our collective potential and obscure the divine potential within each individual. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at Burman calls us to dismantle these artificial barriers and step outside societal boxes.   

The body of academic literature strongly supports this intentional deconstruction. Gordon Allport’s (1954) foundational Intergroup Contact Theory, alongside Gaertner and Dovidio’s (2000) Common Ingroup Identity Model, demonstrates that when individuals from diverse backgrounds engage in meaningful, structured interactions under conditions of equal status, implicit biases dissolve, empathy increases, and perceptions shift from an exclusionary "us versus them" to a unified "we". 

By actively dismantling historical and systemic barriers—including our institutional commitments to Indigenous Reconciliation, Treaty 6 land acknowledgements, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—Burman seeks to create a space where every voice is heard and valued. 

Our pursuit of equity and inclusion is profoundly theological. In His Prayer, Jesus petitioned the Father with urgent clarity:   "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." — John 17:21   Christ’s prayer highlights that Christian unity is neither forced conformity nor superficial tolerance; rather, it reflects the triune relationship of mutual love, equal honor, and shared purpose. 

True oneness does not erase our distinct cultural expressions or unique lived experiences; instead, it harmonizes many distinct voices into a beautiful symphony of grace. Seeing each other as equals before the cross transforms our relationships from transactional interactions into transformational fellowship.   

Scholarly Evidence on Belonging, Equity, and Service

Educational and sociological research confirms that a profound sense of belonging is essential for student success and holistic flourishing. Terrell Strayhorn’s (2012) research on College Students' Sense of Belonging establishes that feeling valued and connected within an academic community directly impacts cognitive development, mental wellness, and persistence. Furthermore, scholarly research on educational equity (McNair et al., 2020) distinguishes equity from mere equality: while equality gives everyone the exact same resources, equity ensures that systemic obstacles are proactively addressed so that every student possesses equal access to opportunity and success.  

Pillars of EDI at Burman University Equity

Focuses on the removal of systemic barriers and providing personalized support (McNair et al., 2020). On campus, this is expressed through The Sakala Success Centre, the Duty to Accommodate,

1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) policies.   
2. Diversity: Rooted in the Imago Dei and the strength found in a multifaceted community. 
3. On campus, this is expressed through our global student body.
4. Treaty 6 partnerships, and intercultural celebrations.   
5. On campus, this is expressed through EDI Power-Up Chapels, EDI Weekends, and the Ubuntu Choir ("I am because we are").   

Becoming One in Purpose, Meaning, and Service

When barriers fall and equality is embraced, unity finds its highest expression in shared purpose and compassionate service. At Burman University, our institutional motto—Think. Believe. Act. —calls every person to think with discernment, believe with insight and commitment, and act with confidence, compassion, and competence.   By linking diverse perspectives to a common mission, we move beyond passive co-existence into active collaboration. Whether through academic mentorship, community advocacy, intercultural worship, or reconciliation initiatives, our shared commitment to Christ propels us outward in service to humanity. 

In the words of President Dr. Loren Agrey, Burman extends a warm invitation to every student and employee to find their healthy space on the hilltop: "Be you, at BU!"—knowing that in our diversity we find strength, and in our unity we fulfill our highest calling.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Burman University, Dr Daniel D. Saugh, EDI Director
 

Dr. Daniel Saugh

Special Assistant to the President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)