Diversity Statement

Effective Date
Policy #11
Board of Trustees

Written by: Carol Vipperman, Chair
Attested to by: David E. Lamb, Secretary

Since its founding, The Evergreen State College has affirmed its belief that learning takes place best when theories and conclusions are challenged and tested by vigorous debate among different points of view. This belief underlies the organization of our curriculum into interdisciplinary programs, in which contemporary problems are studied from the perspectives of multiple academic disciplines. This belief shines through our role and mission statements. It is fundamental to our commitment to diversity, and is given concrete expression in the important policies that guide recruitment, admissions, and hiring practices at Evergreen.

We believe that teaching across and about differences is vital to both teaching and learning. It broadens the knowledge and sharpens the critical thinking of students and teachers alike. It makes all of us students of our ever-changing world. Understanding and embracing differences is essential to successful participation in the pluralistic world we all inhabit.

The Board of Trustees of The Evergreen State College has a long history of supporting access to public higher education for all students, regardless of socioeconomic standing, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, ethnicity, or race. We believe that we have a continuing obligation to provide opportunity to persons and communities that have historically not been well served by public higher education.

This statement reaffirms our commitment to provide access to a high-quality public education that is rich in its mix of people from diverse backgrounds, and that promotes equal opportunities for all who choose Evergreen as their educational institution or as their employer.