In the comments section of our most recent "how can we help you?" thread, S writes:
Would it be possible to have a post about how to write diversity statements[?]
One recent ad says: "A diversity statement discussing your experience in working with students from many different backgrounds."
Another says to include "a Statement of Diversity and Inclusion describing past experience and contributions to diversity and inclusion efforts, and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service."
I've heard quite a few people ask about this before, and have to confess that I'm not entirely sure what a 'good' statement looks like.
Offhand, I guess I'm inclined to say that a strong statement might show how one's research and teaching engage with diverse perspectives–such as one's selection of philosophical topics, authors and readings, engagement with different philosophical traditions, etc. I suppose it might also help if one could illustrate particular classroom practices (for instance, an in-class group assignment) that require students to engage with diverse perspectives. I expect it might also be helpful to explain extracurricular ways one reaches out to diverse students (viz. involvement with student clubs, such as an undergraduate philosophy club). For example, the faculty member who heads up our philosophy club has focused the club's bi-weekly meetings on philosophical discussions of the #MeToo movement and Childish Gambino's 'Feels Like Summer.'
But these are just a few quick thoughts. Anyone who has served on search committees care to weigh in?
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