U of L Diversity Vision Statement

The University of Louisville strives to foster and sustain an environment of inclusiveness that empowers us all to achieve our highest potential without fear of prejudice or bias.

We commit ourselves to building an exemplary educational community that offers a nurturing and challenging intellectual climate, a respect for the spectrum of human diversity, and a genuine understanding of the many differences-including race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, national origin or military status-that enrich a vibrant metropolitan research university.

We expect every member of our academic family to embrace the underlying values of this vision and to demonstrate a strong commitment to attracting, retaining and supporting students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of our larger society.

Operational Definition of Diversity

Diversity embraces all human differences while building on the commonalities that bind us together. It serves to eliminate discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, national origin or military status.

Diversity focuses on building community through:

• Composition of a diverse faculty, staff and student body
• Curricula and learning experiences that prepare students to live and work in a diversity and global society

• Climate of inclusiveness with principles of mutual respect, fairness and social justice that is conducive for everyone to develop to his/her fullest potential.

• Campus life that allows students to develop leadership skills, civic responsibility and social skills while excelling academically,faculty to teach, serve and conduct research that enhances knowledge and improves the quality of life, and staff to work in supportive workplace environments