Diversity and Inclusion

USC Diversity and inclusion hero image

At USC Annenberg, we believe communication provides the most effective means to navigate a world of profound and constant change. We recognize that our dedication to the inclusion and equity of all populations — the true spirit of diversity — is critical to advancing the fields of communication, journalism and public relations. We also understand that the right to free speech and free press carries with it a responsibility to promote tolerance and equality, and to respect the dignity of every human being. 

We define diversity as it relates to the respect and inclusion of all variations of race, nationality, gender and gender identity, difference of ability, neuro-divergence, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religious or political affiliations. Across our areas of research and practice, our curricula, and our engagement with our local and global community, we are committed to diversity in all its forms.

You will see this in the wide range of scholarship our faculty pursue, such a exploring the ways in which the arts and popular culture are conduits for cross-cultural exchange or leading HIV-prevention projects that use gaming technologies to study, predict and reduce risky decision-making for diverse populations. Together with our faculty, students are running a Latinx media brand that provides bilingual content to Snapchat and using 360-video to experience South Korea’s food, seaside life and more. Each summer, we offer a four-week summer academy for local high-school students to learn about that role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.

As we further our commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is grounded in our history, embraced in our present and embedded in our future, this site will continue to grow.

Read the Diversity Plan
Read the 2020–22 DEIA Progress Report

Suggestions, Questions and Comments?

Contact Laura Castañeda, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access.