Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusivity

Written by the Linguistics Department Diversity and Inclusivity Committee

Students in front of Foellinger Auditorium

Diversity Statement

The Department of Linguistics recognizes and embraces the value of diversity in all its manifest forms, including race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, country of origin, and religion, among others, and acknowledges how these kinds of differences are situated in social hierarchies. We understand and appreciate the value of unique identities and experiences that allow for a  richer and more equitable learning, teaching and research environment. We believe in promoting a culture of respect with active and ongoing engagement with a diversity of worldviews, histories and cultural knowledge, which we aim to uphold in our various curricular programs and hiring practices.

Inclusivity Statement

The Department of Linguistics was established in 1965 with the belief that the study of language, both its humanistic and social-scientific understandings, can only be productively accomplished by engaging with different visions of learning, teaching, and research: visions that respect and build from the varied perspectives and lived experiences of a diverse community and global citizenry. As such, the first steps in establishing the Department included recruiting faculty representing different linguistic and cultural geographies, and current initiatives aim to move us towards more anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-ableist, anti-heteronormative, and anti-cisnormative learning, teaching, and research. Our ongoing mission is to provide access to an inclusive education; our curriculum continues to showcase how an inclusive community provides creative solutions to real-world challenges; and our pedagogy continues to embrace and grow from differences.