Writing a Diversity Statement
Diversity statements have become integral in the job application process. They are being asked for alongside a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.
A diversity statement is a personal writing sample that is an illustration of your past experiences and explains how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth.
Tips to write an effective Diversity Statement
- Tell your story. If you have overcome obstacles to get to where you are, point those out.
- Focus on commonly accepted understandings of diversity and equity. Concentrate on issues such as race, gender, social class, and sexual orientation.
- Avoid false parallels. If you feel comfortable getting personal, you can write about your own experiences of privilege or oppression. But you don’t have to get personal; you can cite statistics or studies to make your points.
- Write about specific things you have done to help students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed. If you have never done anything to help anyone, then go out and do something. In addition to having a rewarding experience, you can write about it in your diversity statement.
- Highlight any programs for underrepresented students you’ve participated in. If you have had any involvement with any programs, describe that involvement in your statement. This involvement can either be as a former participant or as a mentor or adviser to someone who has participated. These kinds of specific examples show that you understand what effective programs look like and how they work.
- Write about your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity. Describe specific ways you are willing to contribute. You can mention your willingness to contribute to pre-existing programs on the campus or you can express interest in creating new programs based on models at other campuses.
- Modify your statement based on where you are sending it. Look up the demographics of the institution to which you are applying and mention those demographics in your statement.
To read more on these tips, go to The Effective Diversity Statement.
