Lafayette College Diversity Statement

Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community: one that is inclusive and responsive, values mutual respect, and exists in a collaborative atmosphere that is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff who represent a wide variety of views and experiences. The College seeks to promote diversity in its many manifestations. These include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and place of origin.

Role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

The Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a campus-wide advisory committee dedicated to advancing an inclusive culture that enables all members of the Lafayette College community to thrive. The Committee fosters understanding and alignment around diversity throughout campus and ensures diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into the fabric of the College’s strategic plans and daily operations. The Committee will also proactively learn and share diversity trends and topics that will further enrich the Lafayette community. The Committee members represent the various stakeholder groups throughout the College, so each group is considered during the development, implementation, and measurement of all diversity-driven initiatives.

DEI Committee Members 2022-2023

  • Tracie Addy, Assoc. Dean of Teaching and Learning, CITLS

  • Mikael Awake, Asst. Professor, English

  • Kia Damon-Olson, Women’s Head Basketball Coach, Athletics 

  • Louise Frazier, Assoc. Director of Admissions

  • Katherine Groo, Asst. Professor, Film and Media Studies

  • Ana Ramirez Luhrs, Kirby Librarian, Lafayette Libraries

  • Rico Reyes, Director of Lafayette Art Galleries

  • Millie Smith ’10, Academic Project Coordinator, Office of the Provost

  • Matwos Tadesse, ‘24, President of Student Government

  • Jorge Torres, Assoc. Professor, Music

  • Robert Young ’14, Director of Intercultural Development

  • Lijuan Xu, Assoc. Director of Research and instruction Services, Lafayette Libraries