Shifting the Paradigm

Shifting the paradigm on diversity and inclusion means moving past statements and into structure, changing how institutions hire, develop, and listen. Among the many discussions about diversity and inclusion taking place in political, social, and corporate settings; Christian organizations like APU Global are taking a deeper look at what diversity and inclusion mean from a biblical perspective.

An article in Outcomes magazine, submitted by APU Global and published by the Christian Leadership Alliance, expresses the heart behind the university’s Imago DEI (“Image of God”) initiative for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The piece by Blason Taon, Ed.D. and Megan Burns, M.A. highlights the need to shift the paradigm of the discussion to focusing on God’s version of inclusivity and His love for all people.

Here’s an excerpt:

“To lead a diverse and inclusive organization, try shifting the paradigm. Instead of working toward defining who your neighbors are, simply be a good neighbor. This requires the adoption of embrace as the overriding theme of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Self-reconciliation and accountability to your own biases are crucial.”

Read the full article HERE in the digital version of Outcomes magazine.

From conversation to practice

Discussions of diversity and inclusion often stall at the level of statements. Shifting the paradigm means moving from language to structure: who gets hired, who gets developed, whose ideas shape decisions, and who is in the room when hard calls are made.

What a Christian framing adds

For a Christ-centered university, the case for inclusion is not primarily strategic. It is theological. Every person carries the image of God, which makes dignity a starting assumption rather than an outcome to be argued for. That conviction raises the standard: it asks institutions to examine practices, not just intentions.

Three practical shifts

• Audit outcomes, not sentiment, look at persistence, promotion, and completion data
• Widen the pipeline before the decision point, not after
• Make mentorship a structural commitment with named responsibility, not an informal favor

How APU Global approaches it

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution serving a largely working-adult student body, APU Global builds support around the students it actually enrolls, proactive advising, flexible eight-week terms, generous transfer credit, and transparent tuition. Learn more about the university or explore faith and learning at APU Global.

Keep reading on related topics from APU Global: Growth in Faith and Leadership, APU Global Participates in National Day of Prayer.

Explore the B.A. in Organizational Leadership at APU Global to see