Manchester University is committed to building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) where diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religious, non-religious, and other identities are equally respected, affirmed and embraced. Some of Manchester’s DEI initiatives include the following:

• Developing and implementing a diversity strategic plan for North Manchester and Fort Wayne campuses; 

• Partnering with organizations in Wabash County that promote DEI; 

• Documenting racism and anti-racism in Wabash County through racial public memory work; 

• Conducting diversity training for all employees through Human Resources, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Multicultural Affairs; 

• Recruiting diverse applicants for faculty and staff positions; 

• Developing a plan to retain diverse faculty and staff; 

• Recruiting and retaining diverse students; 

• Surveying students about their identities, experiences and needs; 

• Attracting academically talented students of color through the Multicultural Excellence in Leadership Scholarship; 

• Supporting students of color through the Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center and the Students of Color Assistance Fund;  

• Providing educational opportunities (such as book clubs, films, panel discussions and speakers) about DEI to the campuses and surrounding communities; 

• Developing course offerings and syllabi that emphasize DEI; 

• Seeking to repair harm to Manchester community members impacted by bias incidents; and 

• Advocating for peace and social justice on behalf of Manchester community members. 

Anti-Racism Statement

Board of Trustees

The Manchester University Board of Trustees stands against racism and systems that perpetuate racial injustice, and we commit to standing against all forms of racism, discrimination, bias, privilege, abusive power, supremacy and racial/ethnic hierarchy.

In living out our mission to respect the infinite worth of every person and graduate individuals of ability and conviction who will make a positive impact on the world, it is our responsibility to recognize, understand and dismantle all the ways systemic racism and oppression impacts under-represented, underserved and marginalized students, faculty and staff. To fulfill this responsibility, we will ensure that all inequitable and unjust systems, policies, practices and institutional norms identified are replaced by those designed to cultivate a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Manchester University community.

Manchester University has long valued and respected racial, ethnic, cultural and religious differences. But, we acknowledge our missteps and complicity along our journey. More work is needed to confront inequalities and we unequivocally embrace the institutional change necessary to make the world a more just and inclusive place, as we build peace amid strife, and model lives of agape (selfless love), tikkun olam (repairing a broken world) and salam (peace).

We commit that our diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism work will be open, transparent and accountable. We will listen and learn from each other. We will hear and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized. And we will create opportunities to generate individual and institutional transformation.

It is our responsibility to work together with intentionality and clarity and to advance true progress for the Manchester University community and our world. This work will not be easy or quick, but it is imperative for our future. We invite all who are part of our institution to join us in this call, so that – together – we are better able to improve the human condition.