Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Statement

The University Writing Center at Baylor University is dedicated to fostering a brave, inclusive, and equitable environment where all members of the Baylor community feel a sense of belonging. Rooted in Baylor’s Christian mission to “educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community,” the UWC strives to embody Jesus Christ’s teachings of love and inclusivity, embracing individuals across boundaries of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, language, culture, and other expressions of human difference. 

We acknowledge the ongoing realities of race and inequity and recognize that racism is often embedded in the systems, structures, languages, and practices that shape our society. We understand that racism sometimes can be unconscious or unintentional, and addressing it requires awareness and care rather than blame. We understand that individual differences influence how writers approach and respond to writing and learning, and we aim to provide equitable support that meets the varied needs of all writers. Recognizing the broader social inequities that can impact these experiences, the UWC staff seeks to promote fairness and inclusion in our everyday practices.

We value and respect the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, beliefs, and linguistic practices that writers bring to consultations. We aim to create a welcoming space where writers feel encouraged to share their unique voices and experiences. We understand that individual differences affect a writer’s preparation for, encounters with, and reactions to writing, as well as how writers learn, and we aim to provide equitable, individualized support that meets the varied needs of all writers. We actively advocate for language usage that reflects thoughtfulness and care for differences, and we encourage inclusive language in our practices and in writing.

In our consultations, we emphasize collaboration and focus on the writer’s goals, ideas, and writing needs. We prioritize higher-order concerns, such as content, evidence, and structure, over grammar and style. We actively resist the notion that one’s facility with grammar is a measure of intelligence. We view writers as the experts in their work and conduct ourselves as learners alongside writers. We do not grade or evaluate the writing we see, and we respect confidentiality, only sharing information with instructors if students give explicit consent. We remain attentive to addressing unintentional biases or microaggressions and treat these moments as opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Through our policies, methods, and daily interactions, we are committed to advancing equity, understanding, and a shared commitment to dismantling barriers that hinder success and belonging. Our mission is to provide a space where every writer feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.