Operating Principles for Diversity at the UW Post Initiative 200

As a public institution of higher learning, the University of Washington has a long-standing commitment to diversity, one that dates to the late 1960s. Within the legal constraints of Initiative 200, therefore, the University will continue to do everything it can to promote diversity, in its many dimensions, among its students, faculty and staff, and within its educational and other programs, striving to make the campus environment as hospitable as possible.

I. Students

a) Race, gender, color, national origin and ethnicity may not be used as factors in decisions on admissions to the general university or specific University programs.

b) The University no longer will accept funds for or award scholarships that are restricted to specific groups based on race, gender, color, national origin or ethnicity.

c) Informational outreach activities that are intended to encourage particular populations to enroll in University programs are permissible and encouraged. Educational development outreach programs that are designed to help such groups prepare academically for the college or university experience also are permissible and encouraged, so long as other interested individuals may participate in them as well.

d) Programs that encourage diverse populations of University students to pursue academic opportunities in areas in which they have historically been under-represented should be maintained and, if possible, expanded, as long as they are available to all University students.

e) Academic support endeavors (e.g., tutoring and counseling) are critical to the academic success of some students and should be sustained, and even enhanced, to the maximum extent possible, so long as they are open to all eligible students.

II. Employment

a) Outreach activities that are intended to encourage particular populations to seek employment at the University are permissible and encouraged, as long as the activities are open to all interested parties.

b) The University will continue to analyze the composition of its work force and set employment goals.

c) Final employment decisions are not to be made on the basis of race, gender, color, national origin or ethnicity.

III. Contracting

a) Outreach activities that are intended to encourage particular populations to submit bids for contracts with the University are permissible and encouraged, as long as the activities are open to all interested parties.

b) Final decisions on the awarding of contracts may not be based on race, gender, color, national origin or ethnicity.

Approved by the President’s Cabinet, Dec. 15, 1998