Statement on Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion logo

Diversity is at the heart of a liberal arts education—and at the very core of our institutional values. Trinity College of Arts & Sciences awards nearly 80 percent of undergraduate degrees and nearly 40 percent of all graduate degrees, in disciplines across the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. We believe that we can learn the most from those who are different from ourselves. As such, we also believe that diversity--in all its forms--is a driver for new ideas, creativity and academic excellence. To be a truly educated person, we believe we all should embrace and practice an appreciation for different disciplines, thought processes, modes of expression, and histories. We are dedicated each day to providing such an education, and we recognize that to do so, we must also be dedicated to ensuring inclusion of every member of our community.

We are committed to promoting a deep appreciation for the range of human difference and potential, a sense of the obligations and rewards of citizenship, and a commitment to learning, freedom and truth. We are dedicated to promoting an intellectual environment built on a commitment to free and open inquiry. And, we champion intellectual freedom and the courage to hold, articulate and defend and debate ideas, whether popular or not, as an essential value of the university.

Institutional Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.