Institutional Definitions and Actions

Diversity includes attributes such as race, gender identity, age, ethnicity, ability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status, among other aspects of identity. The composite of the various backgrounds present in the Dartmouth community makes the campus diverse. Diversity coupled with equity, inclusion, and belonging allows for optimal creativity, innovation, and academic excellence.

Equity is successfully creating structures and systems that disrupt existing and potential barriers to individual success and ensuring that all persons are treated fairly. Our progress toward equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging addresses the historical legacies of exclusion, promotes social justice and equips every member of our community to thrive.

Inclusion is an active, intentional, and ongoing individual and organizational effort in which people from different backgrounds or identities are treated equitably, culturally and socially welcomed, and included in decision-making. The result of effective inclusion efforts is belonging.

Belonging refers to a personal sense of feeling seen and valued for being our authentic selves. Belonging is experienced and re-enforced through cultural messaging that each member of the community purposefully creates.