Diversity, equity and inclusion report highlights ways Princeton builds community, supports success and belonging

Princeton has released its third annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion report, which shares the important work of students, faculty, staff and alumni to build community and support success and belonging at the University. The report highlights Princeton’s long-term and continuing efforts to be more diverse, inclusive, accessible and accountable.

“Princeton University’s excellence depends upon attracting and supporting talented individuals from throughout our society and around the world,” President Christopher L. Eisgruber wrote in the report. “... Princeton must continue its efforts to ensure that students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds flourish on this campus.”

The report provides a snapshot of the many initiatives, programs and events that occurred during the 2022-23 year — all of which were open to all members of the University.

It summarizes a range of activities under the themes of: climate, inclusion and equity, such as workshops on Jewish identity, inclusion and antisemitism available to students and staff of all faiths and ethnicities; academic experience, such as workshops on free speech and academic freedom led by the national organization PEN America for senior administrators, staff, faculty and others; and outreach and access, such as the new Transfer Scholars Initiative supporting the success of talented community college students from across New Jersey.

This year’s report also includes updated demographic and climate data about Princeton students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral scholars and academic professionals. New surveys include faculty climate data and self-reported data on disability status for Princeton faculty, academic professionals and staff.  

In addition, the report showcases some of the many faculty and staff whose work helps foster a diverse community in pursuit of truth-seeking and academic excellence, such as the director of digital accessibility in the Office of Information Technology and the associate dean for diversity and inclusion in the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity Michele Minter said that “building a vibrant community, helping that community to thrive and guaranteeing that its members will be treated fairly” are essential for the University to fulfill “its scholarly, co-curricular and workplace aspirations.”

“Princeton is always a work in progress, and even as we celebrate our shared accomplishments, we also recommit ourselves to moving forward resolutely, boldly and creatively,” Minter wrote.

Looking ahead, Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion Shawn Maxam identified ongoing and new commitments for this year, including continuing collaborations with PEN America, more learning opportunities to foster inclusion of people from all faiths and backgrounds, and new research projects supported by the Princeton Histories Fund to tell a more complete narrative of the University’s past and present.

“Community expertise and participation will be vital as we identify new opportunities, sustain existing activities and work collaboratively to move forward in this shared endeavor,” Maxam said in the report. “I’m grateful for the energy that students, faculty, academic professionals, staff and alumni bring to these efforts.”

Visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity site to read the full report for 2022-23, access previous annual reports and view updates about ongoing and future efforts.