Our Mission
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Division at Claremont Graduate University works collaboratively with the executive team, academic leaders, and administrative units to foster an institutional culture that values and advances diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our mission is to ensure alignment and coordinated efforts across the university and with the broader initiatives of The Claremont Colleges.
We strive to:
- Listen before we educate, recognizing the diverse lived experiences within our community.
- Provide before we ask, ensuring we meet the needs of our students, faculty, and staff.
- Reflect before we act, fostering intentionality and accountability in our efforts.
By promoting inclusive excellence, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and empower our community to speak truth to power and advocate for justice.
Our Vision
We envision a CGU where:
- Equity and justice are foundational to all decisions, practices, and policies.
- Every member of our community—students, faculty, and staff—feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
- Diversity is celebrated as a strength that enriches our academic environment and drives innovation.
- We serve as a leader among institutions of higher education, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can create lasting change in pursuit of equity and inclusion.
Through collective action, reflection, and commitment, we will build a university where everyone belongs.
Our Core Values
At CGU, diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than principles; they are core values that guide our work and define our community.
1. Inclusive Excellence
We strive to create an environment where all individuals can excel by removing barriers, embracing differences, and fostering belonging.
2. Collaboration
We believe that meaningful change requires working together across disciplines, perspectives, and roles. Our commitment to partnership extends across The Claremont Colleges and beyond.
3. Accountability
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and intentionality, regularly assessing our progress and seeking feedback to improve.
4. Advocacy
We empower our community to speak truth to power and take bold action to dismantle systems of racism, injustice, and inequity.
5. Innovation
We embrace creativity and forward-thinking solutions to address complex challenges and advance equity in transformative ways.
6. Listening and Learning
We commit to listening deeply to the voices within our community and learning from their experiences before acting, ensuring our work is responsive and rooted in empathy.
7. Justice
We are dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and promoting fairness in all aspects of university life, from policies to practices to culture.
A Commitment to Action
Our work is ongoing, and we recognize there is always room to grow. By embracing these values and working together with the voices that inspire and guide us, we aim to build a better, more equitable future for our CGU community and beyond.