The celebration kicked off on Monday, January 16. The 2023 theme aims to embody one of Dr. King’s most pertinent traits: “Compassion: The Key to Justice.” The celebration honors the life and legacy of Dr. King and his work toward racial equality and social justice. Visit the weeklong schedule of events for more information on the remaining events.  

We are also excited to announce that Ohio University is partnering with the USC Race and Equity Center, a nationally recognized organization, to conduct a campus diversity, equity and inclusion audit. We are looking forward to discussing the accredited center’s insights and findings on our diversity efforts. Findings will be presented to OHIO stakeholders later this year.  

OHIO has been awarded the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity for the fifth consecutive year.

We remain deeply dedicated to the Make Respect Visible initiative. In 2022, we further developed community connection by partnering with Passion Works Studio, a collaborative art space that plays a pivotal role in the Athens, Ohio community, implementing the studio’s vibrant design throughout campus and the heart of uptown Athens. In addition, around 50% of our incoming fall semester students committed to listen, share, learn and make every voice count. We will continue to encourage our University community to pledge their commitment to Make Respect Visible in the New Year. 

Applications for the second cohort of the President’s Student Cabinet for Inclusive Excellence are now open. The student cabinet provides the chance for students to have their voices heard and work with University administration to address matters of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Learn more and apply to serve during the 2023 – 2024 academic year on the Student Cabinet webpage. 

Join the Division of Diversity of Inclusion for the 2023 Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje Graduation Celebration!  

Kushinda, or Ritos de Pasaje Graduation, is a celebration to recognize the graduation of African American, Hispanic/Latino/Latinx and Asian American/Pacific Islander undergraduate and graduate students. We are excited to uplift the accomplishments of our multicultural student body.  

Join us for the formal Kushinda ceremony on Friday, May 5. Receive your Kente cloth to wear at commencement and celebrate your accomplishments with friends and peers prior to graduating from OHIO!