Diversity at Bates

Office of the Special Assistant to the President

Bates’s commitment to diversity goes back to its founding in 1855 by abolitionists who believed in freedom and civil rights and who were convinced of the importance of higher education in promoting these ideals. So inspired were they by these principles that from the beginning they opened the institution to women and persons of color though most other leading colleges were single sex and racially exclusive… Learn More

About the Special Assistant to the President

In 2003-2004, President Hansen convened the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Academic Excellence, which created a professional development seminar on Stereotype Threat. Based on the work undertaken in that seminar, the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity position was created.

Heather Lindkvist, Lecturer in Anthropology, is the college’s current Special Assistant to the President.

Statement on Diversity

The Special Assistant to the President helps the college formulate, articulate and pursue its vision for diversity and inclusion. Heather Lindkvist is currently working with constituents across the college community to refine Bates’ Statement on Diversity.

Click here to review and share feedback on the new Statement on Diversity currently under development.