Committee on Diversity Papers (OF-1B-12)

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.