A Diverse College Community
Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community: one that is inclusive and responsive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. The College seeks to promote diversity in its many manifestations. These include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and place of origin.
The College recognizes that we live in an increasingly interconnected, globalized world and that students benefit from learning in educational and social contexts, in which there are participants from all manner of backgrounds. The goal is to encourage students to consider diverse experiences and perspectives throughout their lives. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced.
It is a mission of the College to advance diversity as defined above. The College will continue to assess its progress in a timely manner in order to ensure that its diversity initiatives are effective.
The College’s Statement on Diversity and Inclusiveness was adopted by the faculty and approved by the Board of Trustees.
Office of Intercultural Development
The Office of Intercultural Development advances Lafayette’s commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive campus climate. The presence of diversity and cultural richness is an essential component of student learning and enhances the students’ educational experience.
Religious Life
The Religious Life program seeks to foster an environment where students of all backgrounds can freely and comfortably practice their faith traditions and encourages students to learn about the traditions of others in a spirit of mutual respect.
International Students Association
Open to all students, the ISA promotes international diversity and cultural awareness, enhances cultural sensitivity and international understanding, and contributes to intellectual and social life at Lafayette.
Student Blogs
- Chinese Medicine 101 May 24, 2013Today my study abroad program took us on a field trip to learn about Chinese medicine. It was here that I learned about the Chinese philosophy surrounding yin-yang and traditional Chinese medicine practices. Many Chinese people believe that the yin-yang represents men and women and their inner energy. They think that the yin-yang represents how […]Megan Goodman
- Love requited May 23, 2013One of the wonderful things about going to Lafayette is the love you can find. Sure, I’m in a long-term relationship as I write this post but I’m talking about something a little different. A geekier sort of love in the form of academic pursuits. Since I’ve been here I’ve had the opportunity to really […]Peter Berexa
- Feri bhetaula America! May 21, 2013Standing in line to check in at Qatar Airlines, I already felt out of place. But not in a bad way. I enjoy showing up in a place where I don’t seem to belong. I have always felt that new and different experiences were good for me. I just arrived from Spain about 10 days […]Sarah Walko