University Diversity Statement
William & Mary is a community that shares values of belonging, curiosity, excellence, flourishing, integrity, respect and service. We support the right to free expression of a range of ideas and work to create an educational environment that draws on diverse backgrounds and perspectives to foster mutual respect, collaboration, critical thinking and meaningful relationships. We affirm the vital role of the university in recognizing and fostering equity, inclusion and belonging related to social identities and positions that have been excluded or marginalized in our community, including differences such as ability, class, country of origin, gender identity and expression, language, race and ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and other cultural or political affiliations.
For William & Mary to fulfill its educational mission and become a place that is itself diverse, equitable and inclusive, we must acknowledge the uncomfortable truths of our history and consider the ways in which historical patterns of exploitation and exclusion may continue to shape our university.
We take seriously our obligation to speak up when we see bias, whether it be in our classrooms, workspaces or the university community at large. We embrace our shared responsibility to create change where we fall short of our goals. William & Mary strives to be a place where people of all backgrounds are able to learn and grow, and where each individual takes responsibility for upholding the dignity of all members of the community.
- Approved by the W&M Board of Visitors, February 2022
