Diversity

The History Department is committed to creating a world that is free of violence and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, age, disability status, national origin, and/or political ideology.

In keeping with the Boston College mission of educating people for others we affirm the following:

  • The discipline of History has the unique power to explain how forms of oppression have been interconnected in the past. The discipline can also provide a usable past for marginalized groups who have not traditionally seen their stories reflected in scholarship or in the classroom.

  • Students have a right to learn and faculty and staff have a right to work in an environment that is free of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry.

  • Classrooms and workplaces that are diverse and in which everyone is respected are environments that foster success and growth.

  • Diversity and excellence are not only compatible, they are mutually dependent.

In light of these affirmations, we resolve to do the following:

  • Increase the representation of underrepresented minority groups in our faculty ranks. To this end, we will consider diversity as one factor, among many, when determining our hiring priorities; we have established and will maintain best practices for considering diversity in the hiring process; and we will strive to maintain an environment that is conducive to the retention of faculty from underrepresented groups.

  • Increase the representation of underrepresented groups in our graduate program. To this end, we will consider diversity as one factor, among many, when making admissions decisions. 

  • Increase the representation of underrepresented groups in our undergraduate major; diversify the undergraduate curriculum; and provide research and internship opportunities on the history of underrepresented groups. 

  • Provide the necessary support for our faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate majors from underrepresented groups to thrive in their intellectual and professional pursuits.

  • Foster classroom and workplace environments that affirm the dignity and value of every individual.

  • Stand against racism and all other forms of bigotry.