Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Columbian College is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for its students, faculty, staff and other members of our community.

Our principles, as established by the university, guide our conduct and decision-making.

Affinity Groups

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council

Our Principles

Students
The university is committed to recruiting, admitting and enrolling undergraduate and graduate students with varying backgrounds, perspectives and experiences throughout all schools and departments.
Faculty and Staff Workforce
The university is committed to recruiting, interviewing and hiring faculty, staff and senior administrators with varying backgrounds, perspectives and experiences throughout all departments and schools.
Board and Council Membership
The university’s governing and advisory bodies reflect the rich diversity of our community and the geographic community in which we reside.
Teaching and Research
Diversity of thought and viewpoint is of vital importance to the university’s intellectual mission. Various perspectives inform GW’s curricular, co-curricular and research endeavors resulting in creative and innovative outcomes.
Inclusion
The university holds its members accountable for sustaining an academic, work and social environment that values open communication, respectful interactions and civility. We have a shared responsibility for the well-being of others.

Student Opportunity: CCAS Social Justice and Equity Fellowship

CCAS undergraduate students are invited to apply for the new Social Justice and Equity Fellowship! Fellows spend a summer working with a faculty mentor on a research or creative project in the theme of social justice and equity.

Learn More and Apply

Cassie Green working with a microscope and computer on a museum collection

Inclusive Excellence

The CCAS Inclusive Excellence Initiative underscores the college’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our faculty, staff and students. The initiative includes new faculty searches aimed at increasing curricular inclusivity.

Inclusive Excellence Initiative

Nondiscrimination

Columbian College does not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. This policy covers all programs, services, policies and procedures of the university, including admission to education programs and employment. Columbian College is subject to the District of Columbia Human Rights Act.

University Resources

December 10, 2025

In his new book, History Professor David Silverman reframes U.S. racial struggles to spotlight Indigenous identities.

Street Smarts: Geography Class Maps D.C.’s Immigrant Identity

October 8, 2025

In her Migrants in the City Dean’s Seminar, Geography’s Elizabeth Chacko turns the District into a classroom as students explore urban diversity.

Poetry in Motion: Sebree Writes Outside the Lines

August 13, 2025

In her poetry and her classroom, English Professor Chet’la Sebree challenges the stories we tell ourselves about art, AI and how to make sense of the world.