Bias & Racism Statements
Anti-Racism Statement
We believe that racism, bigotry, inequality, unequal treatment under the law, injustice, and hatred of any kind at any time on any people, have no place in our society and will never be tolerated at Colby-Sawyer College. We believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ultimately in the honor and dignity of all people at all times at this institution.
Our work in diversity, equity, and inclusion is and will continue to be a strong commitment in this learning community. We are committed to engaging with students, faculty, faculty, staff and alumni to recognize and change systemic inequities facing institutions and society that protect advantages for white people in economic, legal, health, and political systems and practices and disadvantage black, indigenous and people of color.
Anti-Bias Statement
At Colby-Sawyer we believe in the diversity of thoughts, ideas, and experiences, inclusive of race/ethnicity, color, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, language, national origin, religion, age, and intersecting identities. We affirm our commitment to recognize and address bias and oppression. We assist students by providing culturally sensitive mental health services and educational outreach that challenges oppressive and unjust forces, and work to reduce injustice both within the college and the broader community.
In addition to supporting these principles of diversity and inclusion, we recognize structural inequalities in society result in the differential access and distribution of power (economic, political, social, and cultural). We believe in the elimination of structural inequities and the establishment of policies and procedures that ensure equity and accountability for all. We acknowledge that regardless of one’s own identities, individuals are at various points along a cultural awareness journey. We also understand that bias can be unconscious or unintentional and that inequity is the combination of social and institutional power plus prejudice. Oppression does not automatically mean that those involved intended negative impact, but having these conversations is necessary and requires courage, respect, compassion, and a willingness to tolerate discomfort. As we aim to become an unbiased center and culturally inclusive we:
- Aim to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of injustice and the impact it has upon each of us
- Challenge ourselves to understand and correct inequities in order to be more purposeful in this process
- Affirm explicitly and publicly our identity as an anti-bias college entity
- Strive to develop and work to implement strategies that dismantle bias within all aspects of our divisions, departments, college, and society