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The UMass Amherst Philosophy Department is committed to fostering a collegial environment that protects intellectual exploration, advances mutual respect, and promotes inclusivity. The department is committed to ensuring freedom of expression and dialogue among diverse perspectives in a community defined by mutual respect. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and affirm UMass’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as to the values of Title IX. Our Climate Committee is devoted to sustaining these commitments and promoting an environment where students, staff, and faculty can thrive. All members of the committee are available to any member of the department wishing to discuss their own experiences of climate, diversity, and inclusiveness.

We are proud to have several initiatives, including an active MAP Chapter, the biennial Matthews Memorial Lecture, the Eileen O’Neill Workshop for Women in Philosophy, and a regular anti-racism reading group. The Question Everything summer program for high school students from lower-income families, as well as students from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in higher education, began in summer 2021.

We also have gathered a variety of resources to promote a collegial, inclusive, and supportive climate, including Academic ResourcesUMass Community Resources, and Summer Workshops for Students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels.

We have an active departmental life, including regular teas in the department lounge (more recently, on Zoom), regular GRUE (Graduate Research Under Evaluation) talks, graduate student workshops on teaching and publishing, and various other events throughout the year.

If you would like to provide feedback about the department climate or make a suggestion or other comment, you can fill out an anonymous survey here.