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
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
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