The Department of Art is committed to the celebration and inclusion of all peoples, identities and perspectives regardless of ability, age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, nationality, veteran status and socio-economic status. Hate and discrimination have no place in the study of art and design. As we work together to create spaces of growth we are committed to fighting all forms of injustice including racism, sexism and ableism, anti-blackness, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia.

Learning and creative expression flourish in environments where students are free to be their whole selves and feel valued as integral members of a community. We are committed to centering the voices of marginalized and historically underrepresented peoples to ensure fair and equitable representation. We recognize our institution is part of a structure not immune to systemic oppression and we actively combat this through continued education, self-reflection, and intentional efforts to recruit, support and retain diverse perspectives among faculty, staff and students.

This living statement reflects our dynamic commitments and learnings.