Let us Strive for a Collective Commitment to Equity
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion supports the University’s mission of creating a more diverse learning community. Developmental and proactive in its approach and reactive to the constant challenges to inclusion and equity in our community and our society, ODI organizes its efforts around offering compelling and representative programming, influencing and enhancing equitable policies, and elevating and informing inclusive practices.
These efforts promote a safe, growth-minded, and engaged campus community, wherein students, staff, and faculty – within and across multiple identities – can feel supported and valued in their academic, social, and professional endeavors. Ultimately, ODI recognizes that “diversity” is not enough, and “inclusion” is but a step towards the ultimate goal of sustaining “equity” for all members of our community.
R.I.D.E. Equity
Core Certificate
The Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Core Certificate is a comprehensive program for faculty, staff, and students designed to enhance their involvement in realizing inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Religious Holiday Calendar
Please remember that certain holy days are observed by members of our community when making plans for the academic year.
Faculty, staff, student group leaders, and organizers should consider this when making curricular and co-curricular plans.
Core Centers
Affiliate Centers
Our partnerships across campus help further the vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
ODI Educational Offerings
Professional development opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion are available to all Wake Forest students, staff, and faculty. These options contribute to the individual growth of attendees and may also lead to organizational development.
Register and learn more about our collection of signature programming.
Upcoming Events
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July 27, 2024 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyOrnate tools of war and visually striking regalia are some of the objects on display that demonstrate how masculinity is emphasized in traditional African politics. The exhibit also features many objects linked to the history of colonization, when European powers displaced the traditional systems of governance, and their own … -
July 27, 2024 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyDrums from Africa are so iconic that they are often used to represent musical traditions from across the continent. However, Africa is home to many fascinating instruments beyond drums. This exhibit presents a range of percussion and non-percussion instruments that showcase the diversity of African music. The exhibit highlights how … -
July 27, 2024 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyHow do you get a good night's sleep? Everybody sleeps, but not all cultures have the same idea of how to sleep. Headrests are solid neck supports used to promote good sleep in many cultures around the world. Explore the science of sleep and the beauty and meaning of …
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Juneteenth is both a day to celebrate freedom and to solemnly reflect on the experiences of enslaved individuals throughout our nation’s history.
As a result, African American families commemorate the day by spending time with family and friends, engaging in community activities, and honoring its significance.
We would like to extend our warmest wishes to those who observe Juneteenth. May you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is excited to announce the addition of several Foundations of DEI Workshop opportunities to get a jump start on the Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Core Certificate series.
The official certificate launch is in the fall; however, participants can get started now by taking the first and only required Workshop: Foundations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Register via the link in our bio and share with anyone who may be interested in completing the certificate.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Wake Forest community mourn the loss of Bob Grant, a 2011 inductee into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame. In 1964, Grant was one of three Black players to join the Demon Deacons football program, which made Wake Forest University the first major Division I institution in the South to welcome Black student-athletes.
In 2021, Wake Forest University recognized the trailblazing efforts of Grant and his teammate Kenneth "Butch" Henry by creating the Robert Grant & Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award. This prestigious honor was established to acknowledge the importance of the first Black football players at Wake Forest University and the historical role that Wake Forest Athletics played in integrating Division I sports in the South.
Here is a detailed description that was collectively written and released by the members of the Trailblazer Committee three years ago:
"Being the first Black football players took courage to take to the field on behalf of their teammates and the Wake Forest community, despite the risks. It took deep faith to believe that their teammates, the coaching staff, and the Wake Forest community would offer steady support during critical times. As Transformational leaders, it took trust in their abilities, talents, and tremendous fortitude to persevere, which would set trails, often not traveled, ablaze, lighting the way and leaving paths of success for all of the athletes yet to come in the South. Hence, this award celebrates Wake Forest student-athletes, alumni, staff, and community members who have blazed trails in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and other important social issues that better the lives of others in the Pro Humanitate tradition that is the central spirit of Wake Forest University."
We extend our deepest sympathy to Bob`s family for his invaluable contribution to Wake Forest University.
We encourage our community to participate in the Flight of Equality initiative by adopting one of the sixteen birdhouses made by students from WGS150.
Visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to see the "Equity is a Choice" birdhouse display.
You can learn more about this cause and adopt this birdhouse using the link in our bio!
Members of the Wake Forest community gathered at Wait Chapel on April 30, 2024, to commemorate the enslaved individuals who worked for or were sold to benefit the institution that would become Wake Forest University.
During the event, faculty, staff, and students read the names of those enslaved individuals aloud.
Originally called the Reading of the Names Ceremony and now referred to as the Commemoration of the Enslaved, the event was started by students in Wake Forest’s Sociology Department and @wakediv. On May 7, 2019, they gathered for the first time on the steps of Wait Chapel to remember the enslaved individuals who were sold by or worked for Wake Forest.
Additional information about Wake Forest’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts can be found at ride.wfu.edu.
“Remember with Us: Commemoration of the Enslaved” is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Please join us for the Remember With Us: Commemoration of the Enslaved event at Wait Chapel on April 30th from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Members of the university community will remember and honor the enslaved individuals who worked for or were sold to benefit the university.
We hope to see you there!
