Diversity. What does it mean to you? : be.georgetown.edu

As the University mission reads, Georgetown University was “founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding,” and we continue our commitment to promoting a DIVERSE, tolerant and respectful campus community.

We asked your fellow Hoyas, “What exactly does DIVERSITY” mean to you?”

Amelia, Alumna ‘09: “To me, diversity is stepping beyond your boundaries and seeking to learn about what's not in your immediate world. It's recognizing that this world is not made up of what you know and what you are comfortable with and being open to the many differences around you.”

Frances, SFS '12: “Diversity to me means being amused about how complicated and interesting we all are.”

Beth, COL '13: “Diversity means being proud of who you are while loving everyone else's identities, too.”

Josh, COL '13: “Diversity to me is complex . . .and so why do something simple when you can do it complicated?”

We also asked Dennis Williams, Associate Dean of Students and Director of CMEA (Center for Multicultural Equity and Access), WHY diversity is important.

Here’s his response.

“The imperative for diversity is based on a history of exclusion; people of color and women have not always been allowed to be full partners in the Georgetown experience. But if we are to be a world-class academic institution, we must overcome that legacy and seek, in our faculty, students and administrators, the best the world has to offer. Racial, ethnic and gender inequity, along with a crippling socioeconomic imbalance and continuing intolerance based on sexual orientation prevent us from reaching our potential.”

Get Involved (Student Groups and Organizations)

Get involved with the DIVERSITY initiative! Georgetown has student organizations that promote diversity, such as the Student Commission for Unity and Leaders in Education about Diversity. There are many student clubs that allow members to experience various cultures, including Asian American Students Association, African Society of Georgetown, Jewish Student Association (JSA), and Latin American Student Association (LASA). For a listing of all clubs, visit the Student Activities Commission website.

Diversity Resources

IDEAA (Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action)
M-36 Darnall Hall
(202) 687-4798
ideaa@georgetown.edu

Overview: IDEAA promotes a deep understanding and appreciation among the diverse members of the University community to result in justice and equality in educational, employment and contracting opportunities, as well as to lead efforts to create an inclusive academic and work environment. Students interested in becoming involved in IDEAA’s initiatives, should send an e-mail to ideaa@georgetown.edu.

The Women's Center
327 Leavey Center
(202) 687-6359
womenscenter@georgetown.edu

Overview: Through a commitment to educate, advocate and care for the whole person, the Women’s Center provides opportunities for total campus involvement while attending to the specific needs and concerns of women at Georgetown University.

LGBTQ Resource Center
325 Leavey Center
(202) 687-3546
lgbtq@georgetown.edu

Overview: Georgetown University's LGBTQ Resource Center supports members of the Georgetown community by providing resources and education about the LGBTQ experience and how homophobia and heterosexism affects us all.

Center for Minority Educational Affairs
5th Floor Leavey Center
(202) 687-4054
cmea@georgetown.edu

Overview: CMEA promotes educational excellence and racial equality at Georgetown University by serving the interests of African American, Latino, Asian Pacific American and Native American students. We dedicate ourselves to the academic success and personal development of these students.