Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Commitment

College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Association
A Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice within the College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Association Board of Directors
Approved January 23, 2021

In the CSB Board of Trustee approved statement on "What it means to be a college for women", institutional leaders affirmed, in writing and with public announcement, the reasons for, the value of, and a call to act as an institution grounded in Catholic, Benedictine values and intellectual traditions.

Building on the foundation of what it means to be a college for women, we, the College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Association Board of Directors, call ourselves to action. The following excerpt of the statement on what it means to be a college for women serves as the basis for this call:

“As a college for women, CSB maintains a visible commitment to diversity and inclusion: including gender nonconforming and transgender people, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people of various ages, people with limited economic means, and people of varying religious, spiritual and political beliefs. At CSB, we live our Benedictine value of respect for persons. This commitment requires ongoing intentionality and work to fully hear the perspectives of women and other marginalized groups. In our community, this intentionality is worthy and valued.”

Building on the foundation of what it means to be a college for women, the College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Board of Directors pledge our dedication and commitment to serving and supporting every member of the Alumnae Association. We acknowledge past harms committed in our name and their effect on the individuals and the community we strive to support.

Building on the foundation of what it means to be a college for women, we hold ourselves accountable for the work needed to represent the more than 25,000 diverse Saint Ben’s Alumnae so that each woman can see herself in our efforts and know that she belongs. We hold ourselves open to being transformed by the experiences of each alumna so that the shape and substance of our community only grows and expands, blessed by the existence, talents, and gifts of each alumna.

Building on the foundation of what it means to be a college for women, we amplify marginalized voices and support alumnae harmed by the experiences of systemic racism, sexism and gender bias. We dedicate ourselves to learning and training on how to build, and how to be, an anti-racist, anti-sexist alumnae association. We invite feedback when we fail and when we make progress toward this goal.

Building on the foundation of what it means to be a college for women, we dedicate ourselves to becoming allies and partners to any person who feels marginalized. We will create and offer inclusive and representative opportunities and experiences for alumnae with this intentionality. Each year, the alumnae board will include a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice action plan in our strategic priorities.