Statement of Institutional Diversity and Pluralism

The University of North Dakota takes pride in its mission to meet the individual and group needs of a diverse and pluralistic society through education, research, and service. The peoples served by and associated with the University vary widely; all must be valued for the richness their different cultures, heritages, perspectives, and ideas bring to the community. The University is in part, a conduit through which individual perspectives and global interrelationships are enhanced by a learning and teaching environment that is aware of and sensitive to the diversity of its constituents. Diversity in the University is constituted by the full participation of persons of different racial and ethnic heritage, age, gender, socio-economic background, religion, and sexual orientation; of persons with disabilities; and of people from other countries.  Of special and particular importance is the University’s longstanding commitment to the education of American Indian students and the cultures and traditions of the American Indian people. In addition, the University’s commitment to diversity extends to historically underrepresented populations such as African Americans, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans.  Furthermore, the University embraces our international student population as they enhance the culturally rich learning environment of campus. The University is committed to providing learning and teaching experiences which enhance all students’ self-determination, educational advantages, and professional opportunities. Policies and procedures of the University oblige its students, faculty, staff, and alumni to foster the awareness and sensitivity necessary for acceptance and understanding of all people in society. The University of North Dakota strongly disapproves and does not tolerate acts of racism, sexism, bigotry, harassment, and violence in any form and actively uses its human and other resources to provide opportunities for its constituents and public to learn and appreciate the values of a diverse and multicultural world.
Approved by University Senate on December 7, 2006.