The Counseling Center strives to create an affirming, accessible, and welcoming environment that embraces and celebrates the diversity of our Lafayette community. We value the diversity of thought, perspective and experience that characterize our vibrant community. We recognize that individual characteristics such as race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, immigration status, ability, age, body size, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religious and spiritual beliefs are central to shaping our identities. We believe that awareness of how our individual identities intersect is important to understanding ourselves, one another and our experiences in the world.

We recognize that systemic inequality, injustice and oppression impact the health and well-being of our campus community. We acknowledge that the college experience may be disproportionately stressful for some students due to experiences of prejudice, privilege, marginalization, and discrimination. When injustices occur that impact your sense of safety and belonging, we are here to support you. We believe in fostering a community that values diversity in all forms and in which all students feel a sense of belonging.

As a Counseling Center, we strive to provide culturally informed services that promote social justice, equity and inclusion. Our staff is committed to the ongoing examination of our assumptions, values, roles and positions. In doing so, we embrace the complexities and nuances of diversity and are dedicated to the life-long practice of multicultural humility. We are invested in working together to advance an equitable Lafayette community that values the free exchange of ideas, self-awareness, empathy and mutual respect.

We recognize that the work of social justice, equity and inclusion is never finished. We continually evaluate our progress in creating an environment that honors diversity. We welcome your feedback and suggestions at counselingcenter@lafayette.edu