The Government and Politics department deeply values the voices and perspectives of all people. We are committed to having a diverse department that recognizes and appreciates the differences in race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, abilities, class, nationality, and other factors. Our department prioritizes diversity and seeks to foster a diverse community reflected in its faculty, staff, and students.

The department is committed to being a place that values differences, provides equal opportunity, fosters mutual respect, challenges stereotyped preconceptions, and condemns all forms of discrimination and prejudice. We are committed to increasing the representation of those populations that have been historically marginalized and excluded from participation in U.S. higher education and government and politics, specifically. We understand that drawing upon diverse perspectives and experiences is central to creating a welcoming and rich academic, intellectual, and cultural environment for everyone.

The events that have transpired in the shadow of the COVID-19 crisis, including the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are reminders of the significant political, social, and economic injustices that many of us are working diligently as political scientists to help solve. 

As we witness unrest breaking out across our country, it is natural to feel sad, angry, fearful, and despondent. Please reach out to your friends, family, colleagues, and students who can use your support and attention. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has prepared this resource, and the Counseling Center is available to help students, staff, and faculty.