Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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We’re Not There Yet
Inequity exists on our campus, and we are steadfastly committed to disrupting all its forms.
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Days-Massolo Center
The Days-Massolo Center serves as a campus hub for exploring intersections of human difference.
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College Programs & Services
Learn how we’re working to create and support a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.Understanding Difference
Check out these books, films, podcasts, and other resources to broaden your knowledge.
Value Statement
At Hamilton, we embrace diversity, commit to work against systemic racism and bigotry, and support a community where all individuals, without exception, feel valued, empowered, and treated fairly.
Our mission to prepare students for lives of meaning, purpose, and active citizenship is inextricably tied to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Serious intellectual inquiry and informed engagement with our ever-changing world depend on open dialogue among people with differing perspectives and values, and from different backgrounds.
The work of achieving an inclusive, equitable community is of paramount importance. Hamilton is continually striving to make further progress through positive action, change, and growth.
Why are diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities on our campus?
Some members of our community feel that they are not treated equitably due to their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, physical ability, religion, socioeconomic status, or other factors. That’s not acceptable. At Hamilton, we celebrate diversity in all forms because our community benefits from the perspectives we share and the mutual respect we show one another. An appreciation for our differences connects us and is essential to providing the best education possible.
How are we working toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community?
We have work to do to be the community we aim to be. The College has made it a priority to develop and execute a comprehensive plan of action to effect sustainable, meaningful change in the short- and long-term. An Advisory Council, with broad representation, recommended further courses of sustainable action, informed by careful listening sessions with individuals and groups. See updates on our progress.
How can you help?
Building a community where everyone feels included, valued, and respected will take consistent effort from each one of us. We must all listen. We must elevate underrepresented voices. We must speak up against inequity, systemic racism, and bigotry. Join the conversation by sharing your ideas with Maria Genao-Homs, associate dean of diversity and inclusion, via Speak Up.
Days-Massolo Center
Through forums, panels, lectures, and other programming, the Days-Massolo Center serves as a hub for exploring intersections among gender, race, culture, religion, sexuality, ability, socioeconomic class, and other facets of human difference.
Reflections
“Hamilton is not immune from the toxic effects of racism in America ... But it is incumbent on all of us to work toward creating more just, inclusive, and supportive communities, at Hamilton and in the broader society.”
“I call everyone in, and I call everyone up. We can do this work, and we will do this work.”
“The motto immortalized on the Hamilton seal is ‘Know Thyself.’ Part of knowing thyself, however, is knowing how you are situated. Now is the time to really make a concerted effort to know yourself in relation to race and the context of our nation’s racial situation.”
Recent News
Hamilton Signs Amicus Brief in Support of “Race-Conscious” Admissions
Hamilton College has joined 32 peer schools in signing an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of Harvard College and the University of North Carolina and the legality of a “race-conscious” admissions process.
N.Y.S. Division of Human Rights Internship Inspires McDade-Clay ’25
Niamh McDade-Clay’25 spent the summer as an intern at the New York State Division of Human Rights in its Rochester regional office. She was supported by the Summer Internship Funding Committee and the Diversity and Social Justice Project Fund.
Sean Bennett Named First VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Most recently serving in a similar role at Salem State University in Massachusetts, Bennett will assume his new responsibilities at Hamilton on August 16.
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