The Post-Racial Northwestern

Diversify the Environment

An important dimension of the environment is the availability to participate on the characteristic interactions of the university. However there are significant spatial and cultural aspects of the environment at Northwestern which have proven to be inhospitable. Many factors influence the degree to which members of underrepresented groups experience Northwestern as having a welcoming and inclusive climate. Some issues are localized and highly variable across
departments and offices, but others are pervasive and require comprehensive, institutional
solutions. It is important to diversify existing opportunities for “interactions”. While it is not
necessary to create new/more interactions, we can be more creative and engaging with diversifying existing interactions in teaching, special events, residences. These developments will require more data and discussion.

4. It is recommended that:
a) A survey be carried out of the visual, iconic and symbolic aspects of the public image of the university environment that may be expanded to include representations and messages of University Diversity. 31-32

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NUDM 2012