Abstract:

Equity in education means that personal or social circumstances such as gender, ethnic origin or family background are not obstacles to achieving educational potential, making sure and that all individuals reach at least a basic minimum level of skills. COVID-19 pandemic left students from diverse backgrounds more at risk of increased vulnerability less likely to receive the support and extra services they need, and the gap between students that experience additional barriers has widen. Among the most important challenges created by COVID-19 is how to adapt a system of education built around physical schools. School closures had a very real impact on all students, but especially on the most vulnerable ones who are more likely to face additional barriers. At the Metropolitan State University of Denver, the most diverse university in the state of Colorado conducted a Student Impact Survey that was completed in 2020, the data collected provided a better understand of the students experience during the pandemic. This article will share what was revealed regarding students on-going concerns as they returned to campus at the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) especially in the Department of Human Services and Counseling, looking at the impact closure of the university had on students’ sense of belonging and their feeling of self-worth. Looking at ways to not further hinder the inclusion of vulnerable students in education systems while looking for the key to inclusion in education.

Keywords:

Inclusion, Equity, Education, Underrepresented, Curriculum, Diversify.