Our DEI Commitment
Our Mission
Our leadership and staff have unequivocally committed to advancing equity-focused admission practices that aim to reach and serve the needs of historically excluded students in the U.S. (and across the globe). This commitment comes from the root of Fordham’s mission to recognize the dignity and uniqueness of each individual. Our work is student-centered and we strive to care for the whole person (cura personalis).
As a Jesuit institution in the heart of New York City, we constantly strive for more (the official Latin term is magis, another key Jesuit tenet). We are restless in our pursuit of igniting sparks of change within ourselves, our peers, and our communities. We are resilient when we inevitably fall short of our goals. We seek to be intentional, action-oriented, inclusive, and humble in our pursuit of dismantling barriers traditionally marginalized communities face.
Our Obligation
As an Office of Undergraduate Admission, we believe in respecting the personal narratives of all students, honoring their lived experiences, and valuing the distinct worldview that comes from their circumstances of culture and community. These differences include but are not limited to the following: race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, political diversity, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
Our Approach
The words in this commitment are the result of time spent reflecting on our own experiences. We recognize our role in dismantling the barriers that marginalized communities face in seeking college access. We have committed to centering anti-racism in our practice and policies. We have also examined—and will continue to examine—our language, policies, and practices to advance equity and access in our admission process. We also know that words are not enough, and that words alone are never enough. We put this commitment forth as a representation of our daily dedication to foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment. We have made our commitment public as a reminder to hold ourselves accountable to our goal to build a community where everyone is treated fairly and has equal access to opportunities and resources.
- We resolve to further our partnerships with our student-led organizations and cultural groups, as well as actively participate in conversations on how we can serve our current students better.
- We will continue to advocate for equity, diversity, and representation in our application process as we believe that championing these voices brings intellectual depth and a multitude of perspectives that are fundamental to institutional excellence.
- We are devoted to strengthening the ties between our University and our five New York City boroughs (the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island). New York is Fordham’s home; we want Fordham to feel like it can be the home of any New York City student.
Our Objective
Current events have served as an inflection point for our community, our institution, and our Office of Undergraduate Admission. We always say the people are what make Fordham a special place. And because this work is collaborative, we end this statement with a request. We are looking for students who understand that there is deep value in learning from and respecting the shared stories of others. We are looking for students who feel called to be active citizens—who are engaged in anti-racist work in their schools, their communities, and their social networks. We are looking for students who are ready to set the world on fire (another Jesuit tenet), ready to create and shape what rises from the ashes. We are looking for the special spark you can bring to shake the world, no matter where you are on this journey.
We pledge to keep striving, to keep asking more of ourselves. Will you join us?
With humility and gratitude,
The Office of Undergraduate Admission