Statement on Racism
Purpose
The Office of Diversity, Community & Inclusion at Anderson University affirms its commitment to upholding the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice. For God and humanity, we are an intentionally Christ-centered, diverse community believing that all people are image bearers of God. Genesis 1:27
We further affirm Anderson University’s commitment to creating an environment in which every individual is an accepted, respected, and valued member of the campus community, regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status.
(See Anderson University’s Non-Discrimination Policy)
Racism
We acknowledge and reaffirm our strong opposition to racial injustice, ethnic oppression, acts of hate, discrimination, and prejudice. Racism in all its forms is a sin and an affront to the Christian values of the Holy Bible. We affirm our deep Christian commitment to uphold God’s Word concerning racism:
God’s work:
- God created all human beings equally: “Then God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-27
- God created one race of people, the human race: “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” Acts 17:26
- God loves all ethnicities: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
- God celebrates multiethnicity: After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9
The Bible teaches us to:
- Reject division and embrace oneness: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Ephesians 2:14
- Remove barriers: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
- Seek reconciliation: Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
- Stand for justice and righteousness: But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Amos 5:24
- Be peacemakers: If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
- Love our neighbors: If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. James 2:8
- Forgive: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Strategic Actions
We will work to combat racism at both the personal and institutional levels. We affirm our commitment to ongoing learning about justice and equality to disrupt systemic racism, discrimination, inequality, and marginalization.
We recognize that racism occurs with or without malicious intent, sometimes with conscious or unconscious bias. Therefore administrators, faculty, staff, and students will receive specialized development opportunities to improve listening skills, and increase knowledge and cultural competencies in order to produce a more holistic campus environment. When embraced and implemented, this commitment will further create a community where each person is treated with honor, dignity, and respect.
We understand that strategic diversity, community & inclusion initiatives are important to the fabric of our institution and its success in furthering the cause of justice and racial equity. Therefore, every member of the Anderson University family is expected to live out the principles of this document, through which we can embrace, honor, and celebrate our diverse community for the glory of God and the growth of His kingdom.