The Department of English community encourages a climate of acceptance and understanding for the variety of lived experiences among our students, faculty, and staff. We respect that these experiences come in many forms, including, but not limited to, neurodiversity, ethnic and racial heritage, gender and gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic standing, veteran status, and physical and mental ability. We value the participation of diverse individuals in debate and decision-making in our department and recognize the power of language both to enable oppression and to effect positive, systemic change. We strive to use that power to create an inclusive, equitable environment. A commitment to including all voices in discussions that impact the lives of community members can ensure that we are a vibrant, relevant, and evolving department that endeavors to challenge outdated assumptions and systemic inequities to revitalize our field and our institution.”

Volker Hegelheimer
English Chair