Whitman College Receives National Award for Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Whitman College is proud to be named a recipient of the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest publication focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in higher education. This national honor recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable campus environment.

The HEED Award selection process is rigorous. Institutions are evaluated on a comprehensive set of criteria, including student and faculty recruitment and retention, DEI pathway programs, community partnerships, leadership support for DEI initiatives and more. 

Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity, notes that HEED Award recipients “consistently demonstrate best practices and set the standards for other colleges and universities.” Whitman is honored to join the list of 114 institutions recognized this year, who will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity.

Whitman’s Commitment to DEI, Anti-Racism & Access

Receiving the HEED Award is a recognition of Whitman’s ongoing dedication to cultivate an inclusive campus community. The college’s 2023 Strategic Plan identifies Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Access (DEIA) as one of its highest priorities. Whitman’s vision is to become a community that mirrors the diversity of the nation, where all students, staff and faculty members feel welcome, valued and empowered to thrive.

As President Sarah Bolton wrote in the college’s 2023 Inclusive Excellence Yearbook, “Leadership on today’s most pressing issues requires engaging diverse perspectives at every level. So we continue to deepen Whitman’s excellence and impact by drawing people with a diversity of experiences and identities to our campus.” This includes not only racial and ethnic diversity but also diversity in gender identity, socioeconomic background and neurodiversity, among other aspects. 

According to Whitman’s Strategic Plan, “Advancing inclusive excellence is both a moral imperative and a necessity for preparing all students for lives of purpose and impact.” Through its initiatives, Whitman strives to create a campus where everyone, regardless of background, can fully engage and flourish.

Putting Principles Into Practice

Guiding Whitman’s efforts is its commitment to four principles of inclusive excellence. These principles lay the foundation for a community where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are not just buzzwords, but guiding values that inform every aspect of campus life.

Whitman’s commitment to DEIA is further reflected in initiatives that are literally changing the shape of campus. For example, the College recently opened the Third Space Center, a dedicated campus building designed to support and celebrate the communities of color at Whitman.

In addition, Whitman has established several other resources to support inclusive excellence on campus. These include the Queer Resource Center and the All Faiths Room, both of which provide safe and welcoming places for students from various backgrounds to gather and connect. Whitman also hosts Community Learning Days, which are opportunities for faculty and staff to deepen their understanding of diversity and social justice.

Whitman’s Division of Inclusive Excellence plays a central role in advancing these initiatives, many of which were celebrated in the 2023 Inclusive Excellence Yearbook. However, the division is not alone in promoting this commitment. From the new opportunity hire program in Academic Affairs to the expansion of Disability Support Services and the establishment of the Special Assistant to the President for Native American Outreach, inclusive excellence is a responsibility shared by the entire campus community.

Building on the Foundation of Inclusive Excellence

The journey towards inclusive excellence is ongoing. Whitman is committed to continuing the progress that has led to this HEED Award recognition. By continuing to expand financial aid and scholarships, the college will make it possible for more students from many different backgrounds to access a Whitman education. Efforts are also underway to improve the physical accessibility of the campus and to strengthen support for neurodiverse students.

“At Whitman, we are working to be a place that wins with culture,” says John Johnson, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. “We are moving in the right direction, and we are moving together. More us, more we.”

As the college looks ahead, it remains focused on creating a thriving environment where all members of its community feel respected, included and able to reach their full potential. Receiving the 2024 HEED Award is a proud moment for Whitman and a reminder of the collective effort needed to build a truly inclusive campus.