Inclusive Excellence at Ohio Wesleyan University

A resolution passed by the Ohio Wesleyan University Board of Trustees on May 12, 2022.

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Recommendation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
MAY 12, 2022

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AT OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees affirms Ohio Wesleyan University’s commitment to
significantly progressing diversity, equity and inclusive excellence within the OWU community
so that OWU becomes the best-in-class environment for small liberal arts colleges;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees defines diversity, equity and inclusive excellence as the
following for the students, faculty, staff and other members of the University community:

• Diversity – that OWU strives to have a community with representation mirroring that of
  the broader population
• Equity – that OWU strives to create a just community with fair and equitable treatment
  regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious
  expression, or physical or mental health
• Inclusion – that all members of the OWU community feel a sense of respect and
  belonging and acknowledge the differences among us as a point of strength;
  

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees asserts that diversity, equity and inclusive excellence are
foundational elements necessary to deliver the transformative, life-changing educational
experience at Ohio Wesleyan in order to graduate informed, global citizens who engage in
meaningful careers and public service,

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees affirms that diversity, equity and inclusive excellence is a
strategic imperative that it commits to in its own work, in its oversight of the work of the faculty
and administration, and in its fiduciary capacity allocating resources;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees acknowledges that at Ohio Wesleyan, all community
members must respond to this mission by learning and acting in a culture of continuous
assessment of all policies, practices and procedures to make OWU a more diverse, equitable and
inclusive institution;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we strive to build a diverse community and an
equitable and inclusive culture at Ohio Wesleyan University and view this ongoing call as an
imperative to lift up all community members in an inclusive culture of inquiry and belonging;
and that this imperative will guide the work of the Board of Trustees in its oversight of all
operations.