The University of Mississippi

Office of the Chancellor

Pathways to Equity

James Meredith Statue in front of the Lyceum
The statue of Meredith was introduced to the Ole Miss campus in 2006 as a symbol of racial integration on the campus. The life-sized civil rights monument of the first African American student at the university, which stands in the heart of the campus between the Lyceum and the J.D Williams library.

The University of Mississippi embraces its public flagship mission of inspiring and educating our diverse and vibrant community where all individuals are able to intellectually, socially and culturally thrive through transformative experiences on our campus and beyond. In fulfillment of this mission, we demonstrate the following commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion:

  • Diversity is an affirmation of the intersecting individual, social and organizational identities that make our community vibrant and transformational. We commit to openly increasing, embracing and recognizing the full spectrum of diversity at all levels of our institution.
  • Equity is directly addressing the social, institutional, organizational and systemic barriers that prevent members of marginalized groups from thriving in our community. We commit to be both proactive and responsive in mitigating barriers so that all members of our institution are able to reach their full potential.
  • Inclusion is actively and intentionally creating a welcoming campus where all individuals feel they have a supportive and affirming space to learn, grow and engage. We commit to fostering a campus environment that fully supports, values and engages the intersectional identities of every member of our community.

Starting in 2019 under the leadership of Chancellor Boyce and Dr. Katrina Caldwell, inaugural vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement (DCE), the university engaged in a robust grassroots process to create an institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion plan. Chancellor Boyce and Dr. Shawnboda Mead, interim vice chancellor for DCE, continued these efforts to culminate in the unveiling of Pathways to Equity: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Institutional Strategic Plan. Beginning in January 2021, the university has committed to implement initiatives that advance the following overarching goals over the next five years:

  • Advance Institutional Capacity for Equity
  • Cultivate a Diverse and Equitable Community
  • Foster an Inclusive Campus Climate

In addition to the institutional plan, Chancellor Boyce has charged each academic college/school and each administrative division with developing their own corresponding diversity, equity, and inclusion plans, entitled Equity in Action Plans. These Equity in Action Plans will be complete by the conclusion of the 2020-2021 year. We will annually report progress on these efforts to the University of Mississippi community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Mississippi

Additional Information

 

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