Diversity Statement

The Department of Journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign takes very seriously its responsibility in training the next generation of young journalists in giving them the skills they will need to examine, with a critical eye, many societies’ inequities and shortcomings. This is especially important now, in this first quarter of the 21st century, when American society, at least, is roiled by unprecedented attacks on the media, deeply divided into mutually antagonistic political and social spheres, and has witnessed a resurgent white supremacy.  

The Department of Journalism is committed to practicing, teaching, and researching journalistic excellence free of discrimination or harassment. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of actual or perceived gender, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, national and cultural background, veteran status, religion and political orientation, and other forms of diversity and identity as this definition continues to evolve. We encourage our students to candidly scrutinize and report on diversity, both in the world we live in and within the journalism department. The faculty and staff likewise pledge to always improve on and enact our commitment to social justice and equity.