Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)


Toni Johnson Center for Racial and Social Justice

The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare (KUSSW) dedicates the Toni Johnson Center for Racial and Social Justice to Dr. Toni Johnson, our beloved colleague, friend, and professor. Dr. Johnson was a member of the KUSSW faculty from 2005-2016. Dr. Johnson committed her life to social, racial, and economic justice for youth and their families. As a practitioner, researcher, and professor, Dr. Johnson aspired to be a social change agent to increase the inclusion and equity of all people, with a particular focus on African American families. She was dedicated to supporting students in and out of the classroom, including her role as the Director for the Multicultural Scholars Program. She received the Gene A. and Gretchen Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012. The Center represents KUSSW’s commitment to forward Dr. Johnson’s life work by promoting student involvement and engaged scholarship in the areas of race and social justice.

Our mission is to promote an educational environment engaged in racial and social justice. We aim to advance the well-being, success, and equity for students of color while attending to their intersectional identities; serve as a catalyst for critical dialogue on race and social justice within the School and the KU community; and expand service, teaching, and research on race and intersectional social justice in our School and the larger community.

The Toni Johnson Center is pleased to welcome three new faculty members. Sicong "Summer" Sun, Claire Willey-Sthapit and Joonmo Kang

In the news

KU Racial Equity Research, Scholarship plus Creativity Activity Awards

Received the inaugural KU Racial Equity Research, Scholarship & Creativity Award

Wyandotte County Rising - Becci Akin and Kaela Byers & Promoting Cervical Health for Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Community Engagement Project to Culturally Adapt a Trauma-Informed Approach - Meredith Bagwell-Gray
Doctoral student Omowunmi Olaleye

Doctoral student Omowunmi Olaleye

Invited to participate in the LEAD: Leadership, Equity, Diversity for Higher Education training in October organized by the Center for Innovation in Child Maltreatment Policy, Research and Training (CICM)
Becci Akin

New coalition working to stifle institutional racism in Kansas foster care system

Project aims to build understanding rather than escalate blame game
Dr. Megan Paceley

Dr. Megan Paceley

Congratulations to Dr. Megan Paceley for receiving the Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ Research Pride Award at the KU Lavender Graduation!
Twente Hall

DEI Council

In light of the SSW’s vision and mission, the DEI Council’s purpose is to act as a central hub to coordinate and strategically plan for DEI efforts within the School of
Social Welfare and our communities.

DEI Council
Steel cutout Jayhawk on the side of Regnier Hall on the Edwards Campus

Supporting BSW, MSW and PhD  

The Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial and Social Justice Program supports BSW, MSW, and PhD students in the KU School of Social Welfare who have historically and contemporarily experienced marginalization and oppression.

Toni Johnson Scholars

DEI Events

KU Campanile

KU Office of DEIB

The KU Office of DEIB leads the development of institutional policies & protocols intended to create a more representative, equitable, & inclusive KU; where greater fairness, care, & belonging are better integrated into our learning & workplace practices & all have opportunities to meet their goals.

KU Office