
A History of Inclusion
You may know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. But did you know that Dr. King developed his message of peace and inclusion while pursuing his PhD in theology at Boston University? BU has a rich history of diversity. The University was the first to open all its divisions to women, graduating the first black female physician, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, and awarding the first ever PhD to a woman, Helen Magill. The University also welcomed the first black dean, Howard Thurman, to a majority-white university. This culture of inclusion thrives on campus today. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral component of our campus community, and we strive to support, and encourage our students to feel comfortable sharing their own experiences and identities to strengthen the BU community.
Access at BU
Boston University is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can thrive. By partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) and school districts, BU opens doors for all students, providing resources, mentorship, and outreach programs to ensure their success. These efforts help remove barriers to college readiness and create opportunities for all students to contribute to our vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community.
Diversity on Campus
Boston University is committed to building a community where all individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute. Our campus is home to students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, geographic locations, gender identities and expressions, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and more. This range of perspectives and experiences enriches campus life, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where students can thrive.
We prioritize creating an environment where diverse identities are recognized and celebrated, and where the value of learning across differences is embedded in our community, driving meaningful action and strengthening campus culture. Our initiatives, such as the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, Newbury Center for first-generation students, LGBTQIA+ Student Resources, and student organizations like Alianza Latina, NSCBE, and the Center for Gender, Sexuality, & Activism, reflect our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community. By fostering connections across differences, we work collaboratively to address the challenges facing society today.
Campus Resources
Diversity at BU
Other resources:
Culture & Diversity
- Cultural Clubs and Organizations
- Boston University Diversity & Inclusion (BU D&I)
- The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground
- Global Programs at International Students & Scholars Office
- BIPOC Mental Health Services
LGBTQ+
- LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center
- The Center for Gender, Sexuality & Activism
- Queer Activist Collective
- LGBTQIA+ Community Resources