Washington and Lee University
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

W&L has several related committees.
Currently, diversity issues are primarily addressed by the University Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate, which has the following charges:
• produce an annual report on our campus climate, especially with respect to inclusiveness and diversity, that charts the University's progress on key longitudinal measures;
• advise the president on matters related to inclusiveness and campus climate;
• address from time to time particular issues of concern, such as gender or racial relations across campus, through focused study and analysis, and make recommendations to the President for further action by appropriate University officials, committees or administrative bodies; and
• provide an institutional platform to address issues of inclusiveness and diversity, in response to concerns within the campus community. (http://registrar2.wlu.edu/faculty/faccom.htm).

In addition, The Socioeconomic Diversity Committee, formed in 2008, is charged by the President to "review our goals and objectives for achieving socioeconomic diversity in our student body, and to recommend to the President strategies for the University to recruit, support, and retain students from low and middle-income families." (http://www.wlu.edu/x25297.xml). FInally, the Faculty Committee on Inclusiveness existed until 2010 to represent "faculty concern for making Washington and Lee a community open to persons from diverse backgrounds, one that respects and recognizes benefits of administrators, faculty, staff, and students from these different backgrounds." (http://registrar2.wlu.edu/faculty/faccom.htm).

Members of the University Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate:
Amy Barnes, Executive Director, Human Resources, Chair, 2010-2012
Robert Strong, Associate Provost, Chair, 2012-2014
Laurent Boetsch, Interim Director, International Education
Sidney Evans, Associate Dean for Student Services, School of Law
Tamara Futrell, Associate Dean of Students
Janine Hathorn, Professor of Physical Education and Athletics Director
Domnica Radulescu, Director, Women's and Gender Studies

Members of the Socioeconomic Diversity Committee:
Professors Garvis and Luecke, co-chairs
Professors Gregory and LaRiviere
Associate Dean of Students Futrell
Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions Hutchinson
Associate Provost Strong
Executive Director of Alumni Affairs Dudley

The diversity office is guided by the University Statement of Commitment to Diversity, as follows.

"With a rich heritage from the past and a history spanning more than two centuries, Washington and Lee University has a profound sense of tradition, but it likewise has a firm commitment to the ideal embodied in its motto, non incautus futuri, and therefore remains responsive to changes and innovations that contribute to the realizations of its aim. As we enter the 21st century, the members of our community need to live with and understand different cultural backgrounds in preparation for a changing world.

"To that end, Washington and Lee University commits itself to the recruitment and retention of a broad, inclusive student body, faculty and administration who represent a wide range of interests, abilities and cultures – a diverse array of talent. The University will strengthen a curriculum that increases knowledge, awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusiveness, and will create a climate that builds on our core values to welcome and nurture all members of the Washington and Lee community. Just as a vibrant liberal arts education in the classroom challenges attitudes, beliefs and accepted ways of thinking, the interaction outside the classroom of individuals with different perspectives strengthens our educational enterprise."

Adopted by the Committee for a More Inclusive Community, May 2001
Endorsed by the Faculty Committee on Inclusiveness, March 2002
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 2002

"The Associate Dean of Students for Diversity and Inclusion assists the Dean of First-Year Students and the Office of International Education in orienting students to W&L, and is the key student affairs contact for diversity initiatives. In addition to providing oversight of Black Greek Life and serving as advisor to several student organizations, the Associate Dean provides personal counseling and advising to individual students and acts as a liaison to other university and community resources...

"Understanding that diversity strengthens the academic enterprise, the University commits itself to welcoming and nurturing all members of the community. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion supports the University mission by identifying and implementing initiatives to achieve an increased minority presence at the University and a more inclusive community. Additionally, the ODI attempts to act as a catalyst for all students wishing to explore critical issues on campus related to race, class, ethnicity, gender, nationality and sexual orientation."