The IU Department of Religious Studies is a diverse community, committed to inclusion in our research as in our teaching. We see diversity as itself diverse, ranging over differences that may take social, cultural, economic, academic, linguistic, and individual forms (among others). Our department features scholars and students from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of specializations, who bring a variety of perspectives to the study of religion. We give special attention to issues bearing on gender, race, and ethnicity, and our ongoing conversation regarding religion is nurtured by a shared commitment to empathetic listening, respectful disagreement, the value of debate and of thoughtful silence.

Religious Studies, as an academic field, investigates diverse ways of being human via diverse methods. Religions are so complex that one should not expect any single perspective, taken on its own, to do them justice. There is no question that our community is enriched by attending carefully to a diverse array of voices. There is also no question that each of us—whether student, faculty, or staff—is predisposed to hear these voices differently, as more or less worthy of our attention. We aim, therefore, to interrogate these predispositions, lest they serve to reinforce unacknowledged biases that stand in the way of our growth as students, scholars, teachers, citizens, and human beings. This process of interrogation requires acknowledging the ways in which underrepresented communities have been historically marginalized, and takes concrete form in the steps continuously taken by the department not only in recruiting and retaining students, faculty, and staff from these communities but also in helping them thrive.

In the work of diversification, respect for others—for their right to speak and be heard—is critical. The Department of Religious Studies strives to foster and maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect between faculty, staff, and students: an atmosphere in which the contributions of each individual are valued.

IU’s diversity work has again been recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity. IU Bloomington and IUPUI received the only national award that honors individual institutions for being outstanding examples of universities committed to making diversity and inclusion a top priority across our campuses. IUPUI has been honored every year the HEED Award has been given, eleven in total, and it’s the eighth consecutive time for IU Bloomington. 

In addition, IU Bloomington received the Diversity Champion Award for the sixth consecutive year. Known for visionary leadership, Diversity Champions are institutions that set the standard for thousands of other campus communities striving for diversity and inclusion and developing successful strategies and programs that serve as models of excellence for other institutions. Schools deemed Diversity Champions exceed everyday expectations, often eclipsing their own goals. Only a very limited number of colleges and universities across the nation are selected for this prestigious honor.