Statement on diversity
Diversity of academic pursuits, cultures, and people is part of the fabric of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Illinois. The College of LAS is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and secure space for analytical and critical thinking, teaching, research, and innovation that fosters a community of global citizens prepared to make important contributions to society.
To do so, the College of LAS embraces the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through the following actions:
- Creating and upholding inclusive and equitable processes and policies
- Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment and retention of students, staff, and faculty
- Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion across advising, mentoring, and the curriculum so that students from all backgrounds and abilities can succeed
At the core of our commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable college is creating an environment where people with different cognitive and physical abilities and ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, and religious backgrounds can thrive. Part of that commitment is maintaining an educational and research culture free from religious, ethnic, racial, sexual, and gender harassment.
The college upholds and abides by campus policies on professional conduct, the University’s Code of Conduct, and all state and federal laws related to unlawful and unwanted sexual advances, sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). We acknowledge that harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature and can include offensive remarks about a person’s religion, ability, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, and race. Harassment creates an educational and work environment that is intimidating, hostile, and offensive to and violates the values of the College of LAS.
The College of LAS is committed to welcoming all students, faculty, and staff into its community and providing an environment that fosters success. When issues arise and we don’t meet this standard, we take action to address concerns and make improvements.