The Office for Institutional Diversity (OID) was established in the spring of 2004 as the successor to the Office of Affirmative Action, which was itself established in September 1971 and was one of the first of its kind in the nation (for more about our history click here). In establishing the OID, the University signaled its commitment to redirect and strengthen its efforts in the area of diversity. Our overarching goal is to make diversity a way of life at Boston College, thereby helping us live out our Jesuit Catholic heritage more fully, while recognizing diversity as a conduit to create a competitive advantage for the University. This goal is reflected in our mission statement.
As we chart our course for the immediate future we will concentrate on six major objectives:
- Developing a strategic plan for diversity.
- Increasing faculty and staff diversity.
- Managing diversity.
- Leveraging diversity as a resource.
- Fostering an organizational culture and climate, that fully welcomes diversity.
- Developing an organizational structure to support diversity.
In its official Notice of Nondiscrimination the University has designated the Executive Director of the Office for Institutional Diversity to coordinate its efforts to carry out its responsibilities to prevent discrimination in accordance with state and federal laws. In the words of the Notice:
...Boston College commits itself to maintaining a welcoming environment for all people and extends its welcome in particular to those who may be vulnerable to discrimination, whether on the basis of their race, ethnic or national origin, religion, color, age, gender, marital or parental status, veteran status, disabilities or sexual orientation.
Any applicant for admission or employment, and all students, faculty members and employees, are welcome to raise any questions regarding the policy articulated in the Notice of Nondiscrimination with the Office for Institutional Diversity. In addition, any person who believes that an act of unlawful discrimination has occurred at Boston College may raise this issue with the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education.
OID continues to be responsible for coordinating the University's other compliance efforts under various state and federal equal opportunity and affirmative action regulations governing employment and education. Our office develops policy statements, provides regular reports on the University's progress and performance, identifies problem areas, and offers problem-solving assistance. We monitor affirmative action implementation, consult with enforcement agencies, and counsel employees. We also conduct seminars, programs and activities in conjunction with Employee Development Programs, which advance the University's diversity agenda.
Questions about University equal opportunity and affirmative action policy, or about various laws governing these matters, should be directed to our Office. If you have questions about potential or alleged acts of discrimination and harassment, we can provide advice and assistance, or act as a neutral third party to help resolve disputes and conflicts related to such matters.
