Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies’ Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

RCS DEI Mediaspace Channel

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a multicultural and multilingual unit, the department promotes awareness and understanding of contributions to knowledge, history and culture that have been made by members of diverse human groups and historically marginalized people in the United States and worldwide.

This vision informs our department’s collective effort to engage students, faculty, the University administration and the community in dialogue, initiatives, and events that value and integrate inclusive practices and non-binary frameworks of knowledge in the romance languages curriculum design, extra-curricular programming, community engagement, partnerships & outreach, and interdisciplinary scholarly exchanges and intellectual collaborations. 

It is the department’s responsibility to stand in solidarity with those affected by oppressive systems, not only in the United States, but around the globe and in the multiple countries represented by the languages and cultures that we teach, research, and study. During divisive and uncertain times, we welcome people of every race, gender, gender identity, sexuality, ability, religion, and immigration status. We aim to embrace this diversity to continue creating a department that allows learning from one another in order to enrich our intellectual and cultural environment.

As a unit that embraces diversity and seeks to create safe spaces for all students, staff, faculty, and community members, we aim to promote dialogue and education that values inclusive practices and non-binary thinking in the romance languages. As part of this effort, we seek to provide resources, host events with experts, and continue learning as languages change and adapt to our world.

To stay up to date with the DEI Committee’s efforts and programs, you can follow the committee’s Mediaspace channel, where we will be uploading video conferences hosted by RCS.

RCS’ work to promote a safe and inclusive community aligns with the College of Arts and Letters Values and Priorities and the MSU Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.