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Diversity & Social Justice

Protest sign on the steps of Boyden Hall, saying change the politics not the climate

Bridgewater State University is a welcoming, compassionate and intellectually rigorous learning, working and living environment.

At BSU, we live these values every single day by striving to be a caring, inclusive and welcoming community.

The United States faces vast and growing inequalities of opportunity, of income and wealth, of access to education and healthcare, and of equal protection under the law.

As a university we have a special responsibility to expose and critically examine these conditions and to provide means and resources by which we can channel that understanding into action that results in necessary change.

The University’s motto — “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister” — invokes the this dedication to service and equity.

Racial Justice Task Force Final Report

Presidential Task Force on Racial Justice Final Report


May 17, 2021
The President’s Special Task Force on Racial Justice (RJTF) was created in 2020 by President Clark to examine the elements of policy, practice, and culture that are impeding racial equity at BSU, and to identify remedies and recommendations for corrective action. Some 70 members of our campus community have engaged in this thoughtful, necessary, often challenging, painful, and rewarding work. This report lays out many immediate and long-term steps Bridgewater can take towards becoming a more racially just, inclusive and equitable community.
 

View RJTF Report (PDF)

 


BSU Equity Resources

Action: Racial Justice and Equity at BSU

Action: Racial Justice and Equity at BSU is an e-publication to update the community about BSU's efforts and progress on these extremely important issues.

BSU Values Statement

In reaffirming its values of diversity, inclusion and equality for all, university leadership adopted an official statement rejecting “all forms of bias, discrimination, xenophobia, and violence.”

EXCEL Program

The EXCEL Program at Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a fully-inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Students in the EXCEL program share the same experiences as their college peers in the areas of academics, socialization, professional development, and independent living. Students become more independent and actively engaged in creating and living their lives. Our program honors dignity and worth, and fosters self-determination.

International Students

BSU provides the individual attention so important to the academic and cultural adjustment of international students. Approximately 150 international students are enrolled at the university representing more than 29 different countries. Once admitted, International Student and Scholar Services provides high-quality services and programs to each international student and scholar at Bridgewater State University.

Leading for Change Racial Equity and Justice Institute

The Leading for Change Racial Equity and Justice Institute (REJI) is a voluntary collaboration of institutions committed to racial educational equity. Member campuses work to identify data-informed strategies intended to close racial educational equity gaps on our campuses and across higher education.

Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity

The Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity (LGCIE - Legacy) reinforces inclusion, celebrates diversity and promotes student success by providing services that support underserved students thereby enriching the academic, cultural and social experiences for the future of all BSU students. For more information, visit us in the Rondileau Student Union Room 101 or call 508.531.6166.

Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

Bridgewater State University is among an elite group of institutions chosen by the U.S. Department of State to host the “Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders” (YALI), four consecutive years to date. Each summer, twenty-five of Africa’s brightest emerging public administrators study at BSU for a six-week academic and leadership institute.

Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice

The Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice — named after the youngest victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings — was created to build knowledge about social justice, to develop skills for advancing social justice through individual and collective action, and to serve as a catalyst for actualizing Bridgewater State University’s commitment to social justice.

Military & Veteran Student Services

Military and Veteran Student Services is committed to assisting the military and veteran community at Bridgewater State University in achieving their academic and personal goals.

Pride Center

The BSU Pride Center supports the success of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally students and their peers, and fosters a campus climate of inclusion and equity.

Racial Justice at BSU

The Bridgewater State University Special Presidential Task Force on Racial Justice represents our entire BSU community, including faculty, students, staff, administrators, alumni and members of our wider community, and the university's commitment to anti-racism. These pages include updates from the Racial Justice Task Force as well as a number of resources and engagement opportunities for the wider community.

Resources for Students in Need

Our students face a variety of issues outside of the classroom that may impact their ability to be successful at Bridgewater State University, and we want all students to know that help is available.

Student Accessibility Services

Bridgewater State University is committed to ensuring all individuals equal access to its programs, services and community. Disability Resources & Student Accessibility Services supports this commitment through its work with students, faculty, staff, and the Bridgewater community to identify and remove barriers to full participation in the University experience.