Toward a diverse and inclusive Bates community—

Bates College’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.  In keeping with this noble tradition of inclusiveness, Bates is striving to increase the diversity of its student body, faculty, and staff and to provide an environment for social and intellectual engagement that is reflective of the increasingly multicultural society in the 21st century. In curriculum and campus life, challenge for the intellect and respect for the person are equally valued.