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SDG Observatory

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

 

Reduced Inequalities Globally

When working towards achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is important that SDG 10 [Sustainable Development Goal 10] : Reduced Inequalities is kept in mind. The United Nations recognizes that there are areas within countries that have had drastic improvement in equality, including reducing income inequality and preferential trade status to benefit lower-income countries. That being said, many parts of the world still have a far way to go in achieving gender, racial, socioeconomic, and LGBTQ+ equality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities on both a national and individual level. Lower-income workers faced higher economic strain and difficulties when self-quarantining, often working long hours to support the population. Lower-income countries are still facing difficulties acquiring adequate vaccine dosages, putting them behind for a return to normalcy. The climate crisis is another example of a global shock that will put vulnerable populations at increased risk. In all effort towards the other 16 SDG [Sustainable Development Goal] s, Reduced Inequalities must be of high priority.

 

Reduced Inequalities Locally

The Dallas economy has grown dramatically over the past decade. Unfortunately, inequality has, too. According to the Dallas Morning News, economic growth and low unemployment rates have not prevented a huge growth in the metroplex’s racial wealth gap. Many households in the Dallas Metro Area remain segregated by race and income, driven by historical tax incentives that kept low-income individuals in high poverty areas. DFW [Dallas / Fort Worth] ’s complex inequality issues require multifaceted solutions.

At the University of Texas at Dallas, we value our diverse campus community and the experiences individuals from each background bring to the table. In our engagement, academics, and campus resources, we strive to reduce inequalities and provide all students with an environment to thrive.

 

Highlights

Student Organizations

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Under the Student Organization Center at UT Dallas, there are a variety of student cultural and advocacy organizations dedicated to reducing inequalities. This list includes, bus is not limited to, the: Black Student Alliance, Indian Students Association, African Student Union, Immigrant Rights Coalition, and Native American Student Association. You can learn more about student organizations at the Student Organization Center at UT Dallas or view the full list on Presence.

 

White Supremacy Teach-Ins from Arts and Humanities

SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 4: Quality Education
Six people in a video chat.

Photo Source: UTD Anti-Racist Teach-In Series

In the summer of 2020, faculty members of the School of Arts & Humanities led the development of a Anti-Racist Teach-In series. Over the past year, they have hosted teach-ins related to AAPI Violence, White Supremacy & Meritocracy, Housing Insecurity, and Immigration, among other topics. These Teach-Ins have garnered hundreds of UT Dallas community members in attendance. This coalition of faculty, staff, and students plans to continue teach-ins on topics related to inequality over the next year.

 

Equity-Related Trainings

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality

The University of Texas at Dallas provides professional development opportunities for faculty and staff related to making our campus community more inclusive. Dignity and Respect Diversity, a training held by Human Resources, focuses on exploring and developing strategies to respect the differences all people bring to the workplace. The Culture of Equity Training series, hosted by the Galerstein Gender Center and other partners on campus, focuses on the interconnectedness of history, privilege, and inequality. The training also provides participants with hands-on workshops and conversations related to solutions. Most recently, the Gender Center hosted a 3-part virtual Culture of Equity Training in Spring of 2021. Students also have the opportunity to gain cross-cultural skills. Offered by UT Dallas Living Learning Communities, the Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion program educates students about diversity and inclusion. Through participating in events, writing assignments, and discussion posts, CDI students leave the program ready to study and work in diverse environments.

 

Multicultural Center

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The Multicultural Center is a branch of the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement dedicated to helping diverse students be successful on campus. The Multicultural Center provides a range of sponsored programs and events, support services, and activities that enhance the cultural and educational development of UT Dallas students. The center is also home to the Student Success Assistants, Diversity Peer Educator, and Multicultural Peer Advocates, who are all students available to assist other students’ while at UTD.

Learn more about the Multicultural Center.

 

Assessing Diversity and Equity

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
A man receiving an award.

Photo Source: UTD Press Release

The Diversity and Equity Committee at UT-Dallas discussed, planned, and implemented a climate survey, which was available online to faculty and staff in February and March of 2016. It included questions on respondent demographics and on perceptions/observations related to diversity and equity on campus. 26.6% of faculty and staff responded to the survey. Nearly 90% of respondents in all demographic categories reported that diversity was important to them personally and that it was important to them that UTD hold diversity as one of its core values. 69% believed that UTD had an inclusive climate, citing in particular recent progress in building a diverse student body, increased programming around LGBTQ issues, and the founding of the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement in 2007. Analyzed online and public documentation of the Spring 2016 Diversity and Equity Survey Report is available on The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement Website.

 

Non-Discrimination Statement

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the University community. An environment that is free of discrimination and harassment allows members of the University community to excel in their academic and professional careers. To that end, to the extent provided by applicable federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. In addition, the University’s commitment to equal opportunity extends its nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression where not protected by applicable law.

View the full Non-Discrimination Policy Statement.

 

Academic Programs

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The University of Texas at Dallas offers several scholarship and cohort programs for members of underrepresented groups, such as the Diversity Scholars Program and LSAMP [Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation] Program. The Diversity Scholars Program is a student success program that includes a scholarship for students with a record of academic excellence and financial need. The program supports freshmen and transfer students enrolling at UT Dallas. The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP [Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation] ) Program assists universities and colleges in diversifying the STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] workforce through their efforts at significantly increasing the numbers of students successfully completing high quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] ) disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative recruitment and retention strategies in support of groups historically under-represented in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] disciplines: African Americans, Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders. LSAMP [Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation] baccalaureate degree recipients are eligible for continued support for up to two additional years of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] post baccalaureate study through the Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Activity. BPR projects add new research-based strategies and models to broadening participation in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] and increase the capacity of scholars to conduct this type of research.

 

Goals / Future Work

Incorporate efforts to reduce inequalities into Office of Sustainability initiatives

 

Other Work We Do

The programs highlighted here are just one piece of the work we do on campus to achieve reduced inequalities. View the full dataset (PDF [Portable Document Format File] ), guided by the Association of Advancement in Higher Education (AASHEAssociation of Advancement in Higher Education)’s Sustainable Development Goal translation guide.

 

Learn More

  • Take the online courses regarding Reduced Inequalities from SDG Academy
  • Learn more about the targets and indicators at the UN Global Goals website