Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Hilbert College’s Catholic Franciscan values call us to create a diverse community that is inclusive, responsive, and supportive of all students, staff, and faculty. Consistent with our mission, the Hilbert community seeks to move beyond tolerance of each other to genuine acceptance and celebration of the unique gifts each person brings. We will intentionally integrate the rich diversity of our campus community into our educational processes by developing a living and learning environment that allows us to expand our knowledge and practice our values as part of a diverse and inclusive society. We will achieve these aspirations through ongoing efforts to extend our understanding, disciplined review of our achievements, and regular evaluation of our processes and outcomes.

We Acknowledge

• That all Hilbert College community members have intrinsic worth
• That the Hilbert College community benefits from its members who bring varied backgrounds and diverse perspectives
• That Hilbert College educational experience is enhanced by an understanding of the Franciscan values

We Aspire

• To create a community that respects and appreciates the dignity and uniqueness of all and reflects this in our teaching-learning process and our campus climate
• To increase diversity in all parts of the Hilbert College community through active recruitment
• To educate and engage all members of our campus community to foster an environment of acceptance and openness

We Act

• To ensure that the Hilbert College community intentionally engages diversity to support the social and academic growth of the students by developing a curriculum that incorporates diverse viewpoints, experiences, and social justice
• Actively recruit and retain more faculty and staff from diverse groups
• Actively recruit and retain a student body that represents a diverse population
• Cultivate a community that is committed to service, respect, and compassion

Hilbert students and employees are active participants in our work toward inclusive excellence. All members of the Hilbert community are encouraged to affirm their commitment to diversity and inclusion by acknowledging Hilbert's Diversity Pledge:

Hilbert College pledges to foster and promote the ideals of respect, civility, inclusion, and appreciation of others. We invite all students, faculty, and staff to join us in creating a community of inclusion and a safe space for open dialogue. To do this, we encourage every member of our community to sign our Diversity Pledge. The Diversity Pledge signifies your commitment to diversity, social justice and inclusion at Hilbert College. There are various facets of diversity including, but not limited to: socio-economic status, age, race/ethnicity, gender, spirituality/religion, mental and physical ability, sexual orientation, and citizenship. However, diversity is not only about being aware of our differences as individuals, but actively embracing them. The Diversity Pledge is our commitment to diversity and inclusion, social justice and building a holistic community. By signing the pledge, you commit to the following: • To promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, civility, and appreciation of others in our campus community and beyond. • To learn more about cultural diversity, engage in intercultural dialogues, and examine my own biases. • To live by the Franciscan core values of our institution: service, respect, compassion, peace, hope, joy, integrity, and vision. • To refrain from using derogatory language, discriminating behavior and to challenge stereotypes in a respectful way

(From Hilbert College, Diversity & Inclusion)