Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Working at the crossroads of many cultures, creeds, and national traditions, the UW Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures acknowledges, advances and celebrates differences of all sorts. In a time of increasing inequality, a rise in hate crimes, as well as other signs of growing division in the country, our department recognizes the heightened stakes in its commitment to diversity and equity. We proudly take on that challenge through unwavering support for religious minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, the disabled, immigrants (documented and non-), and other historically marginalized peoples; as well as through an ethic of inclusion in our recruitment, curriculum, decision-making and governance.

We are united against racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, in short against intolerance and discrimination of all sorts. From scholarship on cultural representations of disability in film, to gender and identity studies in language, in both our personal and academic lives we stand with Czech playwright and president Václav Havel, who wrote – at a very dark moment for his own country: “In everyone there is some longing for humanity’s rightful dignity, for moral integrity, for free expression of being and a sense of transcendence over the world of existence.” 

By our daily example, in actions small and large, we seek to fulfill Havel’s vision by welcoming all.

Department Diversity/Equity Committee Members

Working documents for the committee can be found by signing into OneDrive with your UW email address (only committee members have access).

Department Faculty with Research Interests in Disability Studies

Department Faculty with Research Interests in Gender, Identity, and Minority Studies

Department Faculty Affiliated with the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies

Diversity and Equity Resources

Resources for the Field of Slavic Studies

    • "Race in Focus" Lecture Series Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies, University of Pittsburgh
    • "Russian and Race" Lecture Series Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies, University of Kansas

Resources for the Field of Linguistics

General Diversity and Equity Resources

Minority Affairs Resources

Immigration Resources

Disability Resources

Gender and Sexuality Resources

    • Title IX at UW: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Our interim Title IX coordinator is Valery Richardson, valeryr@uw.edu, 206-616-9713

    • Education and outreach: Online and in-person training for preventing sex discrimination and sexual harassment, and responding to those affected by sexual misconduct

    • Survivor Support & Advocacy: Health & Wellness offers confidential advocacy and support for students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment and other related experiences.

    • UW Women’s Center: Provides programs and services focused on leadership development and advocacy for girls and women

    • Q Center: A student-run LGBTQ+ center for UW students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members

Mental Health Resources

    • Counseling Center: Resources for students seeking help in coping with stress or other mental health concerns

    • Let’s Talk: Free, confidential, informal drop-in counseling service at UW

Economic Resources

    • UW Campus Food Pantry: Provides UW students, staff, and faculty with nonperishable groceries and select fresh produce for no cost

Reporting Violence

    • Safe Campus: How to report violence or threats to the safety of yourself or others. NB: Faculty and TAs at UW must report to the authorities any reports or evidence of sexual violence they encounter; one way to do so is through Safe Campus.

Resolving Conflicts

    • Office of the Ombud: A collaborative and confidential environment to discuss your situation, consider options, and develop a plan for the future

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