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College of William and Mary

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
Sadler Center, 200 Stadium Dr
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Phone
(757) 221-4000
Email address
admission@wm.edu
School Information
"We're the second oldest institution of higher learning in the country, and a cutting-edge research university. Building on more than 300 years of innovation and excellence, William & Mary transcends the boundaries between research and teaching, teaching and learning, learning and living. As a "Public Ivy" — one of only eight in the nation — we offer a world-class education at an exceptional value. Our students are not only some of the smartest in the world, but passionate about serving others and serious about having fun. Our professors are teachers, scholars and research mentors, the cornerstone of a thriving intellectual community that produces experienced, engaged, successful graduates. Through their strengths, passions and knowledge, our faculty, students and staff are creating a new model of sustainability for higher education. We love our hometown of Williamsburg and the amazing Commonwealth of Virginia and we’re proud to be one of the reasons for their economic success." (Source: https://www.wm.edu/about/)
General Information
The College of William and Mary announced that it would expand its efforts in incorporating racial issues into its research and curricula. The Provost, deans, and faculty leadership will try to incorporate research on racial dynamics and disparities into the curricula. Additionally, the “justice” requirement will be expanded, although how it will be expanded has not yet been articulated. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • The Richard Bland College's Racial Justice & Equity Task Force held events for faculty including "- Understanding Underepresented Students@RBC," which covered topics such as "Types of Bias" and "Types of Microaggression."
  • The Richard Bland College's Racial Justice & Equity Task Force also held events such as "Racial Bias in Action" and "Black Hair Politics."
  • Additionally, the Richard Bland College's task force said, "Campus programming and training will be centered around the issue of White Allyship."
Curriculum Changes and Requirements
  • The Provost, deans, and faculty leadership will try to incorporate research on racial dynamics and disparities into the curricula. The “justice” requirement will be expanded.
Disciplinary Measures
  • The Richard Bland College's Racial Justice & Equity Task Force will "move forward with outlining clear procedures for reporting actions of racial, gender, ableism discrimination in specific, multiple, intersectional, and combined forms, as such actions undermine the achievement of diversity, inclusion, and equality, which are fundamental for supporting human rights on campus."
Faculty/Staff Requirements
  • The Global Research Institute will "host a workshop related to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all faculty and staff members. To the extent possible, this workshop will address the range of differences our team members bring to their work including race, ethnicity, culture, country of origin, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, neurological make-up (neurodiversity), religious views, political beliefs, education, marital status, language, veteran status, and worldviews."
  • "GRI’s Director will ask research labs to include diversity, equity, and inclusion goals as part of professional development for their staff members." Additionally, "All members of GRI’s Leadership, Programs & Outreach and Fiscal & Operations teams will complete an implicit bias quiz and at least one Cornerstone module related to diversity, equity, and inclusion." Furthermore, "GRI’s Director will ask research lab PIs and staff to complete an implicit bias quiz and at least one Cornerstone module related to diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Resources
  • "One Book, One Community" annual program will be focusing on race and racism in America using the book "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds.
  • The campus library has "The Antiracist Bookshelf" guide, which includes resources on "Addressing + Talking About Racism," "Intersectional Perspectives," "Systemic Racism," and "Whiteness."
  • The college's Global Research Institute has a DEI Committee "made up of six people: two GRI staff members, 2 research lab PIs and/or staff members, and two current students. This committee will be responsible for implementing the plan and reporting back on our successes and failures to the GRI leadership team."
  • The Global Research Institute said, as part of its DEI plan, "We will survey our students and alumni for feedback on the Institute climate at least once every three years (including a baseline survey during FY21). Results of the survey will be reviewed to identify areas for improvement."
  • The Richard Bland College also had a diversity audit performed.
Symbolic Actions
  • William & Mary’s Working Group on the Principles of Naming and Renaming submitted a final report to the college's president. The report includes "includes a list of recommendations for how the university should move forward in reviewing the names of buildings, structures and spaces on campus as well as a prioritized list of people to be considered for upcoming naming opportunities." The president has asked for "a review of Taliaferro Hall, Cary Field and Morton Hall as candidates for renaming." The college president also asked the Design Review Board to prioritize other alumni "who may be honored through future naming opportunities." So far, the college says, "Last August, the working group presented a draft set of principles and imperatives to the board for review and then a final version in September, which was approved by the board. At that same meeting, the board designated the Design Review Board as the body responsible for reviewing naming and renaming requests. The Board of Visitors also approved the renaming of two campus buildings: Maury Hall and Trinkle Hall."
Last updated September 8th, 2022
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