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  5. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Vanderbilt University provides a number of resources to help support and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the university. The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion oversees these efforts and sponsors activities, policy development, and other measures to help ensure a welcoming, nurturing, and robustly inclusive community for everyone who studies, learns, teaches, researches, and serves at Vanderbilt. See below for additional resources.

BISHOP JOSEPH JOHNSON BLACK CULTURAL CENTER

Initially referred to as “the Afro House,” in 1984 the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center was named in honor of Bishop Joseph Johnson (BD’54, PhD’58), the first African American student admitted to Vanderbilt University.  For more than 40 years, “the house," as it is more affectionately known, has served as the epicenter of the Black experience at Vanderbilt. Evolving in response to the growing needs of students, alumni, faculty, and staff, the Black Cultural Center continues to offer innovative programming, resources, and opportunities for fellowship. Rich in history and culture, the BCC is a welcoming oasis for all who visit.

DEAN OF STUDENTS

The Office of the Dean of Students fosters academic and social networks through which students develop as intentional learners and global citizens. The office also creates opportunities to involve students, faculty, and staff in diverse learning communities and provides a critical support structure for enriching the overall student experience. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Equal Employment Opportunity Office is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action throughout Vanderbilt University. EEOO provides a range of services that support Vanderbilt's commitment to fairness, equity, access, and respect by:

  • monitoring the University's compliance with applicable equal opportunity and affirmative action laws and regulations,
  • advocating for equal opportunity and affirmative action for all persons,
  • encouraging and promoting the recruitment and retention of qualified people from diverse backgrounds,
  • providing religious accommodations and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities,
  • conducting unbiased reviews of discrimination and harassment complaints, and
  • providing education and training about EEO/AA, discrimination, diversity, disabilities, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
INCIDENT REPORTING FORM

The Incident Reporting Form should be used to report potential violations of university policy. Please provide detailed information regarding the incident you are reporting. Do not use this form to report a student of concern, Honor Code violations, or acts of hazing that may violate University policy and/or Tennessee state law. Those forms and more can be found on the Office of Student Accountability web page.

LGBTQI LIFE

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Life at Vanderbilt University is a cultural center, a place of affirmation for individuals of all identities, and a resource for information and support about gender and sexuality. LGBTQI Life serves all members of the Vanderbilt community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, by creating educational, cultural, and social opportunities. The office also supports and advises LGBTQI-related campus groups and activities.

MARGARET CUNINGGIM WOMEN'S CENTER

The Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center is an affirming space for women and for all members of the Vanderbilt community. The center actively resists sexism and all forms of oppression by providing resources and educational programming centered on women's issues.

STUDENT ACCESS SERVICES

Student Access provides reasonable accommodations to students with diagnosed disabilities who have substantial limitations. The office is responsible for ensuring that a wide range of support services are provided to both undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities.

TITLE IX & STUDENT DISCRIMINATION OFFICE

The Title IX Office is committed to equal opportunity and to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all members of the university community, guests, and visitors. The office supports the university in sponsoring policies, programs, and activities that are designed to foster courtesy and respect. Vanderbilt prohibits and seeks to eliminate all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, and intimate partner violence, which includes dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.