Improving Institutional Structures and Practices

Updates as of August 1, 2016


Conduct leadership training on recognizing and combating discrimination

In spring 2016, members of the university leadership attended an initial session on recognizing and combating discrimination—both at Yale and in the academy more generally—led by Professor Mahzarin Banaji, a member of the psychology faculty at Harvard University. Planning is under way for similar university-wide training to begin in fall 2016, and many schools and departments are offering educational and awareness activities.


Explore new and expanded programs on diversity and inclusion

In Yale College, plans are in place to improve awareness of diversity and inclusion among students in freshman orientation, and for the freshman counselors. Discussions on these topics are under way with student affairs personnel in the graduate and professional schools.

On February 1, 2016, Secretary and Vice President for Student Life Kim Goff-Crews announced the creation of a new website for Yale students that collects and organizes the university’s policies, procedures, and resources for reporting and resolving incidents of discrimination or harassment. Faculty and administrative leadership have been trained on implementing the current policies.


New committee to develop principles on renaming of campus buildings

On August 1, 2016, President Salovey announced the formation of a Committee to Establish Principles on Renaming, which is charged with developing clearly delineated principles to guide the university’s decisions on proposals to remove a historical name from a building or similarly prominent structure or space on campus. To learn more about the committee and its work, or to share your views, visit the committee’s website.