Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Anti-Racist+ Statement

The Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University prepares all students to be leaders in an ever-changing world. To achieve this mission, we must attract and support a community that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable. We must maintain spaces that are both safe and brave. We recognize that academic greatness cannot be attained without a wide range of ideas, approaches, and contributions. Our understanding of diversity is similarly wide ranged and includes race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, citizenship status, and country of birth. We understand the ever-changing landscape of justice and rights and promise to consistently reevaluate our own culture and stay aware of how disparities in power and opportunity relate to social categories and identities, and how these disparities can divide people and groups in ways that benefit some while limiting others.

To become the inclusive community we desire, we must treat one another fairly, kindly, and with respect, fostering an environment in which no voice is silenced and all can thrive. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racist work has the potential to disrupt and transform long-held beliefs and behaviors. The faculty and staff in the Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University will hold ourselves accountable for educating ourselves and our students to be resourceful, to be aware of injustice and power, and to have moral courage as a result of this commitment. The faculty and staff also understand that love is essential to any successful relationship and healthy community. And we understand how important love is to a student-centered program like ours; therefore we remain steadfast to these promises out of love for our students and community.