Committed to being an inclusive and anti-racist community

The Carlson School is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive community that encourages all to reach their full potential through learning, working, and service. By enhancing and sustaining an ethical, culturally-grounded, and anti-racist institution, we will equip the leaders of tomorrow to live the values of “business as a force for good.” We know that building a community that values and actively promotes inclusivity and anti-racism is not only morally good but also good for business. Our commitments in this area will prepare our students and make them highly valued in their post-graduation pursuits. Increasingly, our corporate partners and campus recruiters are seeking out those graduates who have advanced skills and experience in the area of inclusion and demanding that we step up our efforts to train students.

Four Carlson School alum talking in a circle in the atrium.
Three students talking together after a lecture in 3M auditorium.

DE&I Funding Priorities

School leadership and the Advisory Committee on DE&I, along with expert partners and consultants, have made recommendations in five key areas where we still need to increase our efforts to become a truly equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community. There are significant funding needs in each of these areas to meet our community’s DE&I commitments, some of which are detailed below.

To close this gap, we have a goal to raise $15 million in the next three years to support the Carlson School’s DE&I initiatives.

Give now to support the Carlson School's DE&I commitments

Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business

At the core of our DE&I fundraising efforts is the establishment of the Center for DE&I in Business and the appointment of a Chief Diversity Officer at the Carlson School. The center will serve as a convener, overseeing and coalescing the great work happening throughout the school in the execution of the school’s DEI mission. Its unique position within a leading business school means that the ideals of equity and inclusion will be supported by - and will lead to - innovative business solutions to evolving challenges in this space.

Two students giving a presentation at a podium.
A group of students posing in front of a walk and repeat at the Undergraduate Scholarship Reception

Student Admissions and Pipeline

  • Double the number of scholarship awards available annually for underrepresented students 
  • Support important pipeline recruitment programs in local middle and high schools
  • Provide resources for specialty enrollment initiatives like community college partnerships
The undergraduate class of 2021 is welcomed during college day on 31 August 2017.

Student Experience

  • Curriculum enhancements, including required DE&I and social justice coursework
  • Programming improvements, including diversifying classroom speakers and case studies
  • Bolstering student and alumni affinity networks
Rand Park lecturing to undergraduate business ethics students.

Faculty and Staff Cultural Competency

  • Resources for recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff communities
  • Develop and support a curriculum for ongoing DE&I education with faculty and staff
Brands Enterprise students presenting their research on associations with the Carlson School.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

  • Enhance engagement and support available to BIPOC entrepreneurial community
  • Make DE&I training available to corporate partners through Executive Education offerings
  • Provide resources for Carlson Enterprise Programs to address real-world challenges facing minority-owned businesses and marginalized communities

 

Jess Kowal

Connect with us

To learn more about making a gift to support world-renowned faculty at the Carlson School, please contact Jessica Kowal, Assistant Dean. 

Contact Alumni Relations