The Department of Linguistics believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) foster a productive environment for all students, staff, and faculty to reach excellence in academia. For us as linguists, diversity means having a variety of voices in the classroom, people who come from different places and different backgrounds, who speak or sign differently, and who look differently, and we strive to make all of them feel appreciated.

We acknowledge that language is a crucial component of cultures and communities and that it can empower individuals and groups. As linguists, we continue to build and expand on a long-standing research tradition by striving to be more inclusive in the type of data we present in our classes, encouraging multiple perspectives on language, and addressing linguistic stigmatization in everyday life.

We are committed to:

  • engaging critically with linguistic difference and privilege,
  • addressing the intersections of language and other aspects of diversity such as ethnicity, gender, identity, including LGBTQI+, political perspective, religion, citizenship, and (dis)ability,
  • reflecting collectively on how to acknowledge issues of diversity in our courses and include materials that combat linguistic prejudice, and
  • expanding mentoring programs and developmental opportunities for students from underrepresented groups.

Our department’s values align with those of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to the mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, as we conduct our work in the context of the whole of humanity.

  • In our teaching, we draw on, explore, and question every facet of human experience and understanding.
  • In our scholarship, scientific inquiry, and artistry, we create new knowledge and insight, reflecting and shaping the cultures and societies in which human lives unfold.
  • In our service to Iowans, we collaborate with communities to solve critical problems arising from inequity.

DEI values are inseparable from those of the liberal arts tradition. To fully realize our college’s critical mission of advancing human understanding within that tradition, we must actualize these values in every aspect of our decision-making and every area of our academic community.