Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission Statement
The faculty, staff and students of the English Department value diversity highly and believe that an inclusive curriculum, diverse faculty and student body, and welcoming climate, are critical to academic excellence and a well-rounded education. We support the exploration of literature in English from a range of historical periods, social and cultural contexts, and geographical areas; and from diverse authors and cultures. Many of our faculty are jointly appointed in interdisciplinary programs whose focus is diversity and inclusion, and a number of our courses are routinely cross-listed in such programs.
The English Department defines diversity as encompassing differences in age, cultural identity, language background, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, faith, neurological make up (neurodiversity), geographic background, political and ideological perspectives, disability status, race, sexuality, social and economic status, and veteran status. We welcome individuals, perspectives, and ideas that reflect the heterogeneity of the United States and the world.
The English Department Diversity Action Plan was approved by departmental faculty in February 2017. Our plan is updated every year with progress in each area, and specific plans for the next year. For details, please contact the Department Chair, [[iaknig, Arthur Knight]]. In the fall semester of 2017, in accordance with our plan, we conducted a climate survey of all students enrolled in English, Creative Writing and Writing courses. The report was released in January 2019.
