Office of Diversity and International Affairs
Diversity is about each of our human characteristics that are unique to us, unique to the communities in which we belong, and how those varying characteristics impact how we move through the world. At the University of Louisville, we celebrate and honor these differences. It’s important to note that diversity also includes those “invisible” attributes that you can’t readily see including work experience, marital status, educational background, parental status, income, religious beliefs and affiliations, geographic location, socioeconomic status, etc. No one person’s personal diversity is alike and it’s for that reason that we recognize, embrace and value those differences. The University of Louisville, led by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity & International Affairs, seeks to reaffirm that every student, visitor, faculty, staff, and administrator, belongs here. No matter what your affiliation or role is, at the Belknap, Health Sciences, or Shelby campus…You Belong.
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 and expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, national origin, military status, diversity of thought and political ideology.
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
Statement on Diversity in the University Community
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, socio-economic status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion, diversity of thought and political ideology-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.
