Diversity in the UW System
The University of Wisconsin System is committed to providing
educational opportunities for all individuals. It has made a
strong, public commitment to diversity, recognizing the educational
and social benefits of a diversified student body and university community.
UW Admissions Advisory Group
UW System Definition of Diversity
The UW System defines diversity broadly, to include and acknowledge
differing personal characteristics and talents as well as social and
cultural differences due to gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic
status, age, nationality, religion, physical ability, and sexual
orientation. As educators, we value a breadth of perspectives as
essential to the sifting and winnowing of the search for truth. The
educational benefits of enhanced diversity will
- enrich the educational experience and promote student learning;
- foster cross-cultural understanding and a respect for differences;
- enhance access and opportunity for all; and
- prepare citizens and leaders for the global community.
Race and Ethnic Diversity
The UW System has long had a special commitment to improving educational
access for certain underrepresented groups including African
Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asian Americans (particularly Southeast Asian
Americans), and American Indians. This commitment is stated in Wisconsin
Statutes, Regent Policy Documents, Design for Diversity, and most recently in Plan 2008: Educational Quality Through Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
UW institutions use certain race-conscious efforts in recruiting,
admitting, and retaining underrepresented students of color. These efforts must be
undertaken in combination to achieve our diversity goals. Recent
Supreme Court decisions have reaffirmed the constitutionality of
using race-conscious admissions policies designed to promote diversity
in higher education when race is used appropriately. These cases provide
colleges and universities with guidance on how admissions policies and
practices should be structured to ensure the constitutionality of
race-conscious efforts.
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