StatementWritingHelp.com
by Dr. Robert Edinger
Helping Applicants Since 1995 
drrobertedinger@gmail.com

A diversity statement is a one-page double-spaced document that highlights how you, as a future student, will foster diversity within the community. It is used by institutions of higher education to gauge how their future student population will contribute to their ongoing efforts to promote and maintain a culture of equity and inclusion. Here are some tips to help you compose a strong diversity statement:

1. Consider why the prompt is there. Think about what diversity might mean to that program.

2. Focus on adding new information for the review committee to consider, don’t repeat what you have already provided.

3. Keep the focus on what you can contribute.

4. Stick to the word limit.

5. Check your work and get additional readers to help you catch typos and other errors.

In composing such an essay, it might be helpful to include some of the following elements:

• Statements of values as they relate to your understanding of historical barriers to diversity, inclusion, equity, and/or justice in higher education and your commitment towards dismantling those barriers.

• Examples of experiences that highlight your efforts in promoting the success of underrepresented students, peers, and staff and supporting various viewpoints in the classroom, lab, campus, or community.

• Relevant projects and coursework that address topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Future plans for continuing to advance inclusive excellence, diversity, or equity in your research, teaching, and service to the campus community.

The prompt for a diversity statement may vary depending on the institution. However, it generally asks you to describe how you will contribute to the diversity of the community. The statement should highlight your accomplishments, goals, and process to advance excellence in diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging as a teacher and a researcher in higher education. 

• Why is diversity valuable in academia?

• What experiences have you had that helped you understand the value of diversity or prove that you understand the obstacles faced by underrepresented groups?

To start your diversity statement, you can begin by considering the prompt and what diversity might mean to the program you are applying to. You can then focus on adding new information for the review committee to consider, don’t repeat what you have already provided. Keep the focus on what you can contribute and stick to the word limit. Here is an example of a prompt:

• Why is diversity valuable in academia?

• What experiences have you had that helped you understand the value of diversity or prove that you understand the obstacles faced by underrepresented groups?

• How have you helped (or will you help) promote diversity through concrete actions

It might be helpful to include some of the following elements in your essay:

• Statements of values as they relate to your understanding of historical barriers to diversity, inclusion, equity, and/or justice in higher education and your commitment towards dismantling those barriers.

• Examples of experiences that highlight your efforts in promoting the success of underrepresented students, peers, and staff and supporting various viewpoints in the classroom, lab, campus, or community.

• Relevant projects and coursework that address topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Future plans for continuing to advance inclusive excellence, diversity, or equity in your research, teaching, and service to the campus community.