NEWCOMB INSTITUTE COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence at the Newcomb Institute consists of systematic and sustained efforts to create a supportive and responsive environment where students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and community members of all backgrounds and identities can contribute and thrive. We strive to proactively identify and address inequalities and celebrate the differences afforded by (but not limited to) race, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, socio-economic background, age, ability, body type, and national origin. We will be active partners and allies to other entities on campus, working to make the Tulane community more inclusive and diverse. We commit to research, teaching, and student and community engagement that is equitable and anti-oppressive.
In response to and recognition of Newcomb College’s historical exclusion of non-white women and those who have been historically marginalized on the basis of their gender, we consider our diversity and inclusion efforts to be a crucial matter of social justice. We welcome feedback on these efforts.
TULANE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Choctaw, Houma, Chitimacha, Biloxi, and other Native peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. Their identities are inextricably connected to this place. With gratitude and honor, Tulane University pays tribute to the original inhabitants of this land.
The city of New Orleans was not built upon virgin soil, but merely served as a continuation of a great indigenous trade hub known in Choctaw as Bulbancha, "the place of other tongues”. For thousands of years, people lived along the Mississippi River, and Bulbancha served as a place for diverse cultures to come together. We acknowledge the grounds of our campus and the city around us as home to numerous tribes before and after the arrival of Europeans.
The tradition of community and sharing demonstrated by indigenous peoples enabled European immigrants to survive in a foreign environment and has influenced New Orleans and southeastern culture since colonization began. From food and music to art and language, Native Americans continue to leave their mark on our city and academic community.
We recognize that as a result of broken treaties and involuntary removals, Native Americans were often forced from their lands. We remember and pay respect to the communities impacted by these actions.
Yet, the resilient voices of Native Americans are still heard and remain an inseparable part of our local culture. In that spirit, we acknowledge the indigenous nations that have lived and continue to thrive here.
Pronunciation Guide
Choctaw [chaak·taa]
Houma [how·muh]
Chitimacha [chi·tee·maa·chuh]
Tunica [too·ni·kuh]
Biloxi [buh·luhk·see]
Bulbancha [bull-ban-chah]
To learn more about the importance of our land acknowledgement, please visit: https://tulane.edu/racial-equity/land-acknowledgement
