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ABOUTACADEMICSADMISSIONSSTUDENT LIFEATHLETICSALUMNAERIDINGNEWSGIVING 
 

    about

Diversity

Diversity and civility are essential to the quality of education at Sweet Briar and they are therefore central values to the College community.

Each of us enters a world limited by very specific circumstances. Education expands those limits. We learn the languages of other nations, explore historical periods we don’t live in, study philosophies based on assumptions we never imagined, contemplate arts that baffle us. We learn that life looks different through a microscope and the sky looks different through a telescope. Education, when it’s good, shows us a bigger and more diverse world than our own personal experience could ever allow us to know. Human diversity as lived experience is therefore an essential component of a first-rate education.

Civility comes into it because the essence of education is the open sharing of information, perspective, analysis and interpretation. It is simply impossible for such open discourse to occur in an environment contaminated by personal invective, racism, bullying, harassment, or prejudice.

It is appropriate for contentious or “politically incorrect” thoughts to be expressed. And it is essential for educated people to disagree vigorously with those whose views we believe are mistaken, to stand up proudly for what they care about, and to express their convictions with passion. But it is equally essential to do all that within the bounds of respect for persons and respect for evidence. (From Page 80 of our 2011-12 Student Handbook)

 

Engagement with diversity — both intellectual, academic engagement and engagement through lived experience — is fundamental to an education in the liberal arts. The respectful exchange of information, ideas and perspectives among people of diverse views is essential to intellectual discourse. It is simply impossible for such open discourse to occur in an environment contaminated by personal attack, racism, bullying, harassment, prejudice, or simple meanness.

Embracing diversity and instilling civility are therefore central to our College’s mission and its excellence. Sweet Briar students uphold their Honor Code by respecting and appreciating the differences that every individual brings to the College. The College understands racist, bullying, or harassing behavior to be a violation of the rights of others and therefore not consistent with the values of the Honor Code. The student body promotes cultural, religious, political and sexual orientation diversity through a variety of student-led organizations and clubs and international clubs.

Further, students, faculty and staff are held to an anti-discrimination and equal opportunity policy (2011-12 Student Handbook, p.79).  

The College recognizes that there are many types of diversity. Our use of the term “diversity” is meant to include not only racial and ethnic diversity but also diversity of religion, socioeconomic status, gender, age, sexual identity, physical ability, nation of origin, language spoken in the home and political conviction.

Highlights about some of the ways in which we encourage and support diversity at Sweet Briar College:

 

Academic Diversity

Cultural Diversity

Gender Diversity

Religious Diversity
Through our general education courses and classes specific to students’ majors, students are educated about aspects of human diversity in the context of their larger academic programs.

 

The Faculty Diversity Committee regularly discusses the role of diversity in the academic program.

 

Recent readings for the campus Common Reading have highlighted important diversity issues.

Sweet Briar’s faculty is famous for its engaged and interactive teaching style, which emphasizes the importance of each student “finding her voice” and contributing her point of view, whatever it may be.

The College's International Studies Office contributes to Sweet Briar's diversity by:

  • facilitating Sweet Briar students' study abroad to experience another culture through summer-, year- or semester-long programs
  • hosting various international events on campus throughout the year and sponsoring an international themed housing hall in a student residence hall
  • supporting student organizations like Unity and the International Club

Sweet Briar’s Tusculum Institute advances research on the history of African-Americans at Sweet Briar.

Sweet Briar provides an accepting environment for students, faculty and staff regardless of gender identity or status.

The College has had a domestic partner policy for employee benefits, including healthcare and tuition benefits, for many years. Partners of our employees — whether by marriage or by other commitment — may be listed in our printed directory.

GLOW (Gay, Lesbian or Whatever), a student-organized club that embraces a variety of lifestyles, hosts a variety of events on campus to increase awareness and promote diversity. Coming Out Day is one way GLOW celebrates diversity.

The Chaplain's Office seeks to promote faith, values and spirituality on campus through weekly opportunities for worship, study and community service.

In addition to Christian services at the Memorial Chapel, a Jewish Shabbat is held every Friday and a non-denominational prayer room in Memorial Chapel encourages spirituality of all kinds. Transportation to services off-campus can be facilitated by the Chaplain’s Office.

The Chaplain's Office also sponsors religious diversity events and initiatives aimed at cultivating the College community's spiritual life. Recent events include Habitat for Humanity volunteerism, Gospel Fest, Ash Wednesday services and a bi-weekly bagel bash to help informally build our community.

Activities and services, including pastoral counseling, are open to all students, faculty and staff, regardless of religious tradition.

 

 

Any member of the Sweet Briar community who feels that he or she has been the subject of any form of discrimination should promptly report the incident to the following college officials:

• Student complaint: Dean of Co-Curricular Life csteele@sbc.edu

• Faculty complaint: Dean of the Faculty ajessen-marshall@sbc.edu

• Staff complaint: Director of Human Resources cburton@sbc.edu  

 

Sometimes you may be unsure of how to raise a concern, what College office can help you, or what options you have under College policies. In such cases, you may want to use the ombuds@sbc.edu email address to seek support from a faculty member who has volunteered to support those who are dealing with issues related to diversity and civility on campus. Ombudspersons do not become involved directly in investigation, resolution, mediation, or any other actions with regard to alleged offenses.

The role of the Ombudsperson is to:

  • educate about the systems that exist,
  • help people understand and interpret their options,
  • coach individuals through campus processes,
  • advocate for improved policies or procedures, and
  • offer personal perspective.

Ombudspersons do not accept anonymous allegations or vague, unspecific reports. They respond to anonymous contacts or overly vague reports by explaining that an identified person and a greater level of detail are needed for meaningful response. 

An Ombudsperson may offer confidentiality, except in cases where there is reason to fear that the safety or well-being of any member of the community is at risk. An Ombudsperson may take any urgent concern directly to the Dean of the Faculty, the Dean of Co-Curricular Life, or the President at any time for any reason.

 
2011-12 Ombudspersons:
Kevin Fabulich, Varsity Soccer Coach, Fitness and Athletic Center, ext. 6462
Bryce Walker, Assistant Professor of Classics, Philosophy and Religion. Gray 215, ext. 6702