Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Department of Anthropology's Mission Statement 

At the heart of anthropology research, theory and practice lies a shared appreciation of and commitment to understanding the full range of human identity and experience. We have come to recognize that diversity exists across culture, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, sexuality, religion, language, age, and ability. These multiple identities do not simply coexist in individuals; they intersect. Acknowledging and honoring this richness enhances the process of discovery by engendering multiple modes of experiencing, interpreting, and acting.

However, we live in a world in which these identities are not value-free. Our society is hierarchical and systematically awards power and privilege to some individuals, while others’ experiences are marginalized, punished, or erased. Our valuation of these identities has historical and social meaning as well as biological, economic and emotional consequences. We recognize that the academy at large, and our discipline specifically, have often reinforced, and continue to reinforce, these hierarchies.

Vision Statement

The UW Department of Anthropology is committed to the interwoven goals of:

  • promoting an inclusive departmental culture that draws and supports faculty, staff and students who collectively reflect the diversity of our society
  • considering and addressing issues of privilege within our community, and in being mindful of the power many of us are afforded over others by virtue of our varied identities and roles
  • promoting research, advocacy and activism that operates collaboratively to serve the diverse and often marginalized communities with whom we as anthropologists work

Our mission and objectives are to:

  1. identify institutional resources and create departmental policies that lead to the recruitment, retention and promotion of;
  2. increase the presence of;
  3. promote the well-being of;
  4. support the advancement within the university of;
  5. improve the departmental environment for;
  6. encourage the application, hiring and enrollment of;
  7. raise departmental awareness of the value and need for;
  8. celebrate the importance and work of a community of faculty, students, and staff that is diverse with respect to culture, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, sexuality, religion, language, age, and ability, with special attention to US minorities historically underrepresented on U.S. university and college campuses.

Please visit the Department of Anthropology's Diversity Mission Statement for a complete transcript. Please visit the Department of Anthropology's Diversity Committee Charter for more information.

Resources at UW

Teaching

UW Anthropology (faculty, student and staff restricted)

Professional Groups & Organizations

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