Thriving Community Vision
Furman University embraces diversity as an implicit value and as an explicit practice in all of its endeavors. In keeping with its educational mission and the ideals of its founding, the university seeks to build a community that upholds the inherent worth of individuals in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and civility.
Thriving Community Statement
Recognizing and respecting the inherent worth of each individual and the differences among groups, the university strives to foster a thriving community that reflects a multiplicity of backgrounds, including—but not limited to—gender, race, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, geographic origin, socioeconomic background, ideology, worldview and varied abilities. Furman is committed to integrating the value of diversity into all aspects of campus life: curricular, co-curricular and administrative.
Most importantly, Furman expects all members of its community to uphold the values embedded in this vision and to move beyond mere awareness and tolerance of difference toward genuine understanding and acceptance. The university acknowledges that encountering different ideas and viewpoints can be challenging and uncomfortable. However, these opportunities not only deepen self-understanding but also equip students with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world.
In keeping with its educational mission and founding ideals, Furman is dedicated to building a thriving community that affirms the inherent worth of individuals. The university remains committed to critically examining its practices, eliminating barriers that limit potential, and expanding initiatives that foster an environment where students, staff and faculty can flourish.