Guide to the Committee on Diversity Papers, 1983 - 2000

(bulk 1998 - 2000)

John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI, 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2019

Collection Overview

Title:	Committee on Diversity Papers
Date range:	1983 - 2000, (bulk 1998 - 2000)
Creator:	Visiting Committee on Diversity
Extent:	1 linear foot
Abstract:	The Visiting Committee on Diversity files contain reports on the committee's findings at Brown, demographic statistics of Brown, and correspondence. The files date from 1983 to 2000, with the bulk of the material dating from 1997 to 2000.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number:	OF-1B-12

Scope & content

The Visiting Committee on Diversity files contain reports on the committee's findings at Brown, demographic statistics of Brown, and correspondence. The files date from 1983 to 2000, with the bulk of the material dating from 1997 to 2000.

Access Points

Subject Organizations

• Brown University.

Subject Topics

• Multicultural education--United States.
• Minorities--Study and teaching.

Arrangement

This collection is divided into 2 series. The letters are arranged alphabetically.

• Series 1. Letters to Visiting Committee and President
• Series 2. Subject Files

Biographical/Historical Note

The Visiting Committee on Diveristy was recruited and organized in 1999 by Chairman Augustus White III and former Brown President E. Gordon Gee, in response to suggestions by current and former members of the Brown Corporation. The Corporation members believed that the Brown community would benefit from the observations and advice that an outside panel of distinguished experts could offer in assessing Brown's progress, current challenges and opportunities related to diversity.

The Visiting Committee had a four-point charge. It was asked to:

1. Review Brown’s climate for and success in recruiting, hiring, and retaining faculty of color and making them welcome at Brown University

2. Assess the record of admitting and retaining graduate students of color and ensuring that they feel included in the Brown community.

3. Examine Brown’s ability to affirm both diversity and community and to help all students take advantage of our diversity to prepare for work and life. In particular, the Committee was asked to explore:

a. Innovative strategies to encourage students to work together in diverse groups on projects in which they solve problems together and learn about each other

b. Ways in which Brown’s new values initiative can deepen understanding of diversity among faculty, students and staff

c. How Brown’s research capacity can advance the study of racism, race, and ethnicity

4. Identify strengths, and identify areas of concern requiring attention or further study. Make recommendations of strategies and programs to address those concerns.

In addition, the Committee was asked to offer counsel on specific areas of concern to the University. For example, several members of the Committee are leading scholars in ethnic studies and direct centers for the study of race and ethnicity. Due to the unique expertise the Committee offered Brown in the area, the Provost requested that the Committee provide advice about the Center for Race and Ethnicity and the ethnic studies concentration that could inform the search for a new director of the Center and next year’s scheduled review. The University also sought advice about the Third World Transition Program.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Committee on Diversity Papers, OF-1B-12, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI, 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Ben Stewart and Paul Jordan
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the RIAMCO EAD spreadsheet, 2019 June 7
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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