Equal UA’s mission is is to embrace diversity, advocate for equity and nurture a community where everyone can belong.
Equal UA is a 501c3 that began in 2017 in response to an incident of racial discrimination in UA. A small group of friends created the EQUAL UA signs to show solidarity with people of color in their community. They thought they might sell twenty signs. Within 24 hours, they had sold 800. They realized that this was an opportunity for Upper Arlington to engage in the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the organization was born.
Equal UA’s vision is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming community where everyone belongs.
Looking back…
Over the course of four years, Equal UA has…
Created Building Welcoming Communities UA, a committee that supports inclusive housing initiatives and was integral in the advocacy to pass Source of Income Nondiscrimination legislation at UA City Council
Been instrumental in bringing forth the UA Community Relations Committee,
Participated on the Pleasant Litchford committee to capture and incorporate into the school and city the history of Pleasant Litchford,
Created the Pleasant Litchford Fund, supporting the work of belonging and inclusion in UA Schools,
Hosted panel discussions and educational opportunities, featuring the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, the Anti-Defamation League, and the award-winning author Jason Reynolds, author of Stamped,
Co-founded and continues to co-lead the Columbus Communities Coalition for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a collaborative of individuals and organizations from over 16 Columbus suburban communities.
Looking ahead…
With Equal UA, you engage in the advocacy
work of DEI in our schools and city,
you learn more about different kinds of people
and their experiences through engaging
educational opportunities,
you build connections and relationships
with your neighbors.
