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Commitment to Social Equity and Inclusion

At RISD we commit resources to recruiting and retaining students, faculty, staff and trustees of diverse backgrounds, education, languages and cultures. We also educate, train and support the community in noting and respecting various perspectives present in a diverse, inclusive institution. We believe that diversity is critical to creating a truly healthy RISD community at all levels.

In order to fulfill our mission, we must build and nurture a diverse community systematically. We must ensure that all students, faculty and staff have the access, opportunity and support they need to benefit fully from the RISD experience, and implement best practices for hiring faculty and administrative staff. Human Resources ensures that RISD’s commitment to and goals toward equal opportunity inform its internal and external policies.

Human Resources works with the RISD community to maintain compliance with all federal, state and local laws pertaining to anti-discrimination and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Through complaint resolution, programming and training, we cooperate with community members to resolve complaints of discrimination and sexual harassment. In addition, we set forth policies and guidelines that pertain to these areas of conflict.


Learn more about Social Equity and Inclusion at RISD

Center for Social Equity and Inclusion

The Center for Social Equity and Inclusion guides and coordinates RISD-wide efforts aimed at making our community more diverse and welcoming of differences, and ensures that all students, faculty and staff have the access, opportunity and support they need to benefit fully from the RISD experience.

image of RISD diversity website

RISDiversity Community Narratives

Each of us has a story to tell—compiled from the rich reservoir of our history, our life experiences, our creative vision and the distinctive details that make us unique. At RISD these stories intersect, overlap and are stitched together by our shared passion for creativity. Our RISDiversity site explores the beautifully diverse tapestry that is RISD—and makes our community so strong.

SEI Accountability

On July 15, 2020, RISD announced commitments that build upon our 2017 Social Equity and Inclusion Plan.

Image of RISD SEI Commitments page