Ohio University is committed to promoting an atmosphere where understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial differences are ensured.

As President Robert Glidden stated in his 1995 State of the University Address: "A commitment to academic excellence carries with it the responsibility of seeing to it that Ohio University is a just and diverse community - that everyone who comes here has an equal opportunity to develop his or her talents to the fullest. Education is not well served by homogeneity; it is diversity that enriches learning and diversity that prepares our students for the realities of the world - especially the world of the future. We need to find more ways to engage the full range of abilities of all our people, and we need especially to attend to changes that will promote recognition and appreciation of accomplishments by women and minorities so that all persons in the University are equally respected and empowered."

Ohio University is bound morally, emotionally, and intellectually to pursue the realization of a vision of real community. As a result, it is committed to equal opportunity for all people and is pledged to take direct and affirmative action to achieve that goal. In upholding its commitment, Ohio University will not accept racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, or other forms of violations of human rights. Such actions are inconsistent with, and detrimental to, the values that we hold essential as an institution of higher learning. All students, faculty, and staff of Ohio University are expected to uphold the University's commitment to a just and diverse community and to take a leadership role in ensuring an atmosphere of equality.