- Mailing Address
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1900 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141 - Phone
- (215) 951-1000
- Email address
- admiss@lasalle.edu
- Website
- https://www.lasalle.edu/
- School Information
- "La Salle is a Lasallian Catholic university committed to the principle that all knowledge is practical and empowering, filled with the capacity to transform lives. Anchored in the living tradition of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and in association with a diverse and inclusive learning community, our mission is to educate the whole person by fostering a rigorous free search for truth. La Salle, in affirming the value of both liberal arts and professional studies, prepares students for the lifelong pursuit and exploration of wisdom, knowledge, and faith that lead to engaged and fulfilling lives marked by a commitment to the common good." The university offers over 60 undergraduate programs to its over 5,100 students. (Source: https://www.lasalle.edu/mission-and-heritage/) (Source: https://www.lasalle.edu/programs/)
- General Information
- LaSalle University announced the formation of its "Joint Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion". LaSalle faculty, on their own initiative, compiled and recommended resources on diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the university announced, as part of its reform of disciplinary practices, that students can report any “bias-related” incidents, although the exact reporting mechanism is to be determined. No mandatory Critical Race Training sessions are yet required of students. However, see developments below:
Actions Taken
- Admissions Policies
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Regarding La Salle's Honors Program, the "Report of the La Salle University Joint Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" states that it would "[d]evelop a strategy to grow the number of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other Underrepresented Minority (URM) students in the program."
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On June 30, 2023, in response to the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, La Salle's President issued the following statement: "Following yesterday’s Supreme Court Decision overturning affirmative action in college admissions, La Salle University remains committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse student population that includes and honors diversity in all of its beauty and many forms. In alignment with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and as a Lasallian university, we are guided by Catholic Social Teaching to foster an inclusive, diverse, and culturally respectful community, while embracing the five core principles of Lasallian education, most notably, an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and welcomes all members of the community. As a result, we pride ourselves on a holistic approach to the admission process and we will continue, within the legal constraints of this decision, to seek students who will bring their unique experiences, perspectives, and identities to our campus community."
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- Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
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The "Report of the La Salle University Joint Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" states that it would "[c]reate an anti-racist culture at La Salle by implementing a robust commitment to education and training for faculty and other academic personnel."
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- Curriculum Changes and Requirements
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In courses such as "Afro-Descendants in Latin America," a professor "illustrates racism’s pervasiveness." The professor "is an advocate for the incorporation of diversity and anti-racism coursework into curricula across all subjects—including science, technology, engineering, and math."
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The "Report of the La Salle Joint Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" states that it would "examine and enable the development of a diverse and inclusive curriculum and course readings that challenge racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism, and all expressions of bigotry, hate, and discrimination."
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- Disciplinary Measures
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Students can report any “bias-related” incidents such as “language and behavior that demonstrate bias against persons because of, but not limited to, actual or perceived color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, race, religion, and/or sexual orientation.”
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- Re-Imagining Policing
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The "Report of the La Salle University Joint Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" states that it is "beyond imperative that the internal operations of this [Public Safety Department be transparent, current, and aligned with the needs of our diverse campus population as well as the surrounding geographic area."
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- Resources
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A diversity, equity and inclusion reading list was compiled and recommended by La Salle faculty.
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The university will be offering "Rest as Resistance", an enrichment day seminar on how "allowing time for the mind and body to power down" can help work toward social justice.
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Assistant Professor of Digital Arts Zhi-fang Li studies "the relationship between traditional and digital culture, especially in regards to diaspora, critical race theory and post-colonial theory."
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The School of Arts and Sciences offers a Black Studies Minor in which students focus on the "Black diaspora in the Americas" and emphasizes "Black agency and anti-racist frameworks and scholarship." Students will also "explore important issues such as systemic racism, social justice, health and wellness, education, intersectionality, and cultural contributions as they relate to members of the Black diaspora in the Americas." The school also states that the minor will equip students "with the tools to address issues of systemic racism and social inequality and to be agents of change after graduating."
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The La Salle Bookstore sells two of Robin DiAngelo's books titled "Nice Racism" and "White Fragility."
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La Salle's "Report of the Joint Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" states that it would "Join the Place-Based Justice Network as recognition of our institutional commitment to combat systems of oppression."
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