Since early 2016, Pathways to Diversion and Inclusion: An Action Plan for Brown University (also known as the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, or DIAP) has grounded Brown’s work in education and research in the diversity of perspectives, ideas and experiences that is essential to fulfilling our academic mission. As this strategic plan nears the end of its 10-year life cycle, the creation of a new plan will offer an opportunity for a broader conversation across campus about the meaning and significance of the two concepts of diversity and inclusion as drivers of our mission to advance knowledge and discovery in service to the nation and the world. While the DIAP was a key part of a fundamental transformation of Brown, there is still work to be done to ensure that our University continues to be open and accessible to all.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion at Brown is charged with developing a recommended framework to sustain the diverse and inclusive community necessary for the successful fulfillment of Brown’s academic mission. In addition to developing a recommended framework, the Ad Hoc Committee is charged with recommending a draft 10-year action plan to implement the framework.

The recommended framework and draft action plan developed by the ad hoc committee must:

• Reflect Brown’s commitment to openness to diverse experiences, ideas and perspectives as core to academic excellence to lay the groundwork for the next decade of extraordinary academic achievement.
• Foster a campus where all faculty, staff and students enjoy the benefits of opportunity, belonging and access at Brown.
• Advance Brown’s commitment to equitable and inclusive practices and the University’s full compliance with the law and its own policies.
• Articulate goals that are concrete and achievable, and include methods to ensure accountability to the fulfillment of those goals.
• Reflect a comprehensive review of Brown University policies and programs; policies and programs from other higher education institutions; and relevant research on diversity and inclusion at institutions of higher learning.
• Be informed by input and engagement with Brown students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The Ad Hoc Committee shall deliver its recommendations for a framework and its draft action plan to the President by May 1, 2026.   

Committee Membership

The Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion will chair the ad hoc committee. The Committee will draw from the institutional knowledge and experience of former members of the Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Board, which concludes its work with the expiration of the DIAP. With members previously nominated by the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), the Undergraduate Council of Students, the Graduate Council of Students, and Staff Advisory Council, the continued service of these ad hoc committee members will sustain the representation from undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff. The committee will additionally include a representative from the Warren Alpert Medical School, including one medical school student nominated by the Medical Student Senate; a staff member from the Office of the General Counsel; and a staff member from the Office of Military Affiliated Students. The ad hoc committee will be staffed by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.