Whitman College
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion helps to coordinate, cultivate, and contribute to institutional efforts to advance inclusive excellence at Whitman College. Guided by principles of cultural pluralism, cultural humility, and cultural wealth, the work of the Division is to enhance our collective awareness and capacity around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism. Inclusive excellence is a shared responsibility of all members of the Whitman community.

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion works across the College and with relevant stakeholders to cultivate a campus community where inclusive excellence drives decision-making at all levels; where decisions are guided by our commitment to equity and racial justice; where we proactively work to recruit, retain, and support faculty, staff and students that do not merely reflect diverse social group identities, but that also share and can contribute to our institutional principles of inclusive excellence.

100% of incoming freshman participate in a series of workshops over the course of their first semester that address diversity and matters of social inclusion (Identity, gender and sexuality, class and religion and spirituality). Additionally, we host regular trainings that support inclusion for all students and Inclusion training is built into all of our major leadership trainings.

Every year, Residence Life at Whitman College provides a Gender and Sexuality Workshop for all incoming first years as part of the orientation experience. Following the Gender and Sexuality Workshop, Residence Life also provides an Ally Training workshop for those who would like further training on how to become a better ally. Upon completing the Ally Training Workshop, newly trained allies will be equipped with sufficient knowledge to be granted a safe zone poster.

The Power & Privilege Symposium is a two-day symposium in February. The Whitman faculty have cancelled class on a specific day every February so that everyone has a chance to participate in student and faculty led workshops and panels throughout the day. During the symposium, we seek to challenge students' understanding of their place in the world based on these experiences, and the power dynamics associated with them. The program is student-led, and any student can apply to serve on sub-committees, or volunteer roles. The Power & Privilege Symposium is funded by the Associated Students of Whitman College (ASWC), Dean of Students Office, and President's Office.

Continuing the Conversation: A series addressing diversity, equity & inclusion in the Whitman Community born out of the Power and Privilege Symposium. Other: Lunch & Learn Series; Intergroup Dialogue; Reading Groups; Tenure Track Committee Anti-Bias Training; Online Training through our HR Platform.