Equity,
Diversity
& Inclusion
TFT is deeply committed to social justice, inclusion, and amplifying underrepresented voices. We have one of the most diverse Senate faculties at UCLA, with 2023-2024 ladder-rank faculty comprising 43% white and 57% non-white/multiple; 53% female, 30% male, and 17% non-binary/unknown; and 89% domestic and 11% international. Our students play an active role in advancing inclusive excellence and are key collaborators in these efforts.
“Cycles”
Director: Zeinabu Irene Davis – UCLA, M.A., African Studies 1985; M.F.A. Film & Television Production, 1989
L.A. Rebellion: A Movement Born at TFT That Redefined Black Cinema
This commitment to EDI work stems from TFT’s rich history of activism, and “maverick artistic thinking”. TFT was the birthplace of the L.A. Rebellion, a groundbreaking movement of African and African American filmmakers who emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s. Rooted in a desire to challenge Hollywood’s portrayal of Black life, these visionary artists—including Charles Burnett, Julie Dash, and Haile Gerima—crafted authentic, socially conscious films that reshaped independent cinema. Their work, influenced by global film movements and personal storytelling, continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and remains a defining legacy of UCLA TFT.
Recent Initiatives
Faculty have diversified course content through the lens of Frames of Difference, which highlights race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, nationality, and more. Similarly, the faculty Equity Advisor supports programming based on topics identified by faculty and student representatives such as a recent series on gender diversity in film and theater. In an effort to address student mental health concerns, TFT Student Services launched the TFT Wellness Initiative, providing support services tailored to student needs and under the leadership of a Student Wellness Coordinator.
The Critical Arts Pedagogy Lab (CAP Lab) is a new initiative aimed at fostering a community of practice around EDI-centered teaching for TFT Senate faculty and lecturers. Funded through the Faculty Forward Initiative, CAP Lab includes an evolving online toolkit with teaching resources and a series of workshops focused on inclusive and equitable pedagogy. These sessions, featuring expert-led discussions on topics like disability, crisis-responsive teaching, and gender diversity, provide faculty with opportunities to share best practices and receive research funding in recognition of their participation.
Resources
UCLA Office of EDI
The UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leads and advances strategies for enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion; protecting civil rights and upholding dignity for all in our community.
The EDI Network
The EDI Network at UCLA seeks to connect UCLA employees and students who are EDI leaders and committed to advancing UCLA’s EDI mission across the entire campus.
Accessible Education
Center for Accessible Education (CAE) creates an accessible, inclusive and supportive learning environment. The CAE facilitates academic accommodations, disability advocacy and serves as an educational resource for the campus community.
UC Federal Updates
With numerous, quickly evolving federal policy shifts underway, the University of California is working diligently to monitor these developments and seek clarity on a range of issues.