Diversity at Eastern

EWU is one of the most diverse college campuses in the Pacific Northwest.

We’re Better Together

EWU thrives on all kinds of diversity, and so will you. Our students come from 43 states and 70 countries. More than 1 in 3 are from diverse backgrounds, and over 50 percent are the first in their families to attend college.

Office for Diversity & Inclusion

Our Commitment: Advancing Equality and Justice

Learn more about action steps EWU takes in response to allegations of racial or identity-based bias:

Student Code of Conduct FAQ

Embracing Equality

Communities flourish when multiple perspectives converge to create a powerful vision for all. EWU fosters a campus life that is vibrant, welcoming, and supportive of all. We provide opportunities for open thought and dialogue. As the state’s premier public diversity-serving institution, we are committed to catalyzing an equitable and inclusive climate on our campuses and in our communities.

Multicultural Center

Eastern is a recipient of the 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, a national honor recognizing colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Read About the Award
Photo: A multicultural event on the campus mall
EWU Students celebrating in front of JFK Library

What We Incorporate

An earnest commitment to diversity and inclusivity incorporates the following:

  • understanding that each individual is unique and deserving of respect
  • recognizing that people can represent multiple categories of identity at the same time, which means that their experiences will be very different from one another and that they will experience categories of identity differently depending on where they fit socially within structures of inequality and/or privilege
  • expanding the view of diversity beyond the acknowledgment of commonalities to recognition and honoring of differences
  • acknowledging that there are both unique individual and collective needs and achievements of diverse populations
  • moving beyond simple tolerance of differences toward the more comprehensive goals of pluralism and inclusive excellence
  • making a commitment to inclusivity at all levels, and the active and meaningful involvement of diverse individuals in decision-making processes
  • recognizing the uniqueness of individuals, populations and groups and their experiences, and the need for expression of voice, recognition, and inclusion in order to develop the fullness of human potential and positive psychosocial development, specifically addressing the barriers to communication, relationship building and organizational development caused by socio-cultural misunderstandings, dominance, and fear
  • promoting active and regular engagement between individuals and groups that represent different characteristics and categories of identity, in order to explore differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment, and develop understanding across lines of perceived differences
  • the development of a process for identifying proactive diversity and inclusivity goals and a structure for accountability regarding the achievement of those goals

Build Your Future Here

We’re hard workers. We accept challenges. We’re determined to succeed. Plus, we like to have fun. That’s what makes us Eastern Eagles. Take the first step and learn why thousands of students have chosen EWU as their home.

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Photo: Saudi students with EWU advisors