Race and Equity Center

Institutional Commitment

A statement on Anti-Racism, Equity, Justice, Inclusion, and Belonging from Benjamin S. Pryor, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Antioch University Seattle.

I chose Antioch University because I was committed to its mission before I read it and because I wanted to be a small part of its history. What I learned to appreciate after arriving is that a true commitment to a mission like ours requires more than allegiance. It is a practice, the difficult work that one does with oneself in the knowledge that social justice requires it.

Our historic commitments to race, equity, social justice, social and personal transformation, and to those who choose transformation over the forms of identity and meaning that are imposed on us: these all challenge us to listen actively, critically, with generosity and compassion. This openness, this listening, is at the heart of justice.

In radical recognition of our mission and purpose, we pledge to actively engage in ongoing development as a wholly inclusive community. Our commitment as a university community, we must be vigilant in our learning, listening, and action to advance change. We pledge to measure our progress as we act on our values of becoming an anti-racist, intersectional, and equitable culture on our campus where every member of the community, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability status, or socio-economic status, can thrive.

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Anti-Racism Value Statement

We recognize that confronting and combating racism is life-long work for all members of the Antioch University Seattle community. As a university community, we must be vigilant in our learning, listening, and action to advance change. We pledge to measure our progress as we act on our values of becoming an anti-racist, intersectional, and equitable culture on our campus where every member of the community, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability status, or socio-economic status, can thrive. This work belongs to everyone – University Provost, Campus C.E.O., Administration, Faculty, Staff, & Students (Antioch University Seattle, May 2022).

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Land Acknowledgement

Antioch University Seattle acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral lands of the Coastal Salish people, specifically Duwamish Tribe (Dkhw Duw’Absh). A people still here, continuing to honor and bring to light their ancient heritage. Whether you are here on the West Coast or in other places in the States, please join us in honoring and acknowledging the Coastal Salish people and their land.