All are welcome
Lutes open doors. We know that nothing worth doing is worth doing alone.
And we are keeping the door open for you.
At PLU, diversity is intrinsic to the vitality of learning, resilience, and growth. You will find a place of acceptance, open-mindedness, and compassion. No matter your background, faith, gender identity, or orientation, we can flourish together.
HEAR FROM OUR FACULTY AND STAFF
I love working at PLU, where I can live out my fullness as a queer person and a person of faith. I enjoy working with students to create programs like Reflect, Learn, Celebrate Queer Faith as we explore our intersectional identities, find healing, and build community.
Jen R. ● Campus Ministry
Part of the reason I choose to work at PLU is its commitment to care. Care is a major part of its mission statement, and it is lived every day on this campus through the welcoming and inclusive environment it provides for all members of its community. As a gay man, I’ve never had to hide my identity, and I've never felt different or out of place here: I've only ever felt care, and that, for me, is the kind of university I want to work for and the kind of place I want students to attend.
Tom S. ● Theatre and Dance
PLU is a special place of acceptance. I have always felt that way, from the moment I stepped on campus. Following my years of being in the closet, PLU provided me with affirmation that I am allowed to be my unique self, I am welcomed, and I am a celebrated member of this diverse community.
Jen C. ● Student Life
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT PLU
As an institution of Lutheran higher education, Pacific Lutheran University understands that difference is intrinsic to all life, creativity, vision, and innovation — the cornerstones of higher education. Diversity is vital to the vibrancy and sustainability of our university community and the world beyond it.
How we show up:
Campus Resources
PLU is committed to the success of LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty. We have a number of resources designed to create an inclusive environment.
In the classroom
At PLU, our commitment to the Lutheran model of higher education compels and inspires us to continually challenge ourselves to be more inclusive and to deconstruct inequitable systems and traditions that alienate, harm, or disempower our community members. We do this through our mission, in our living spaces, and in the classroom.
Campus Life
PLU is committed to creating inclusive living communities that foster a sense of belonging and comfort for all students, inclusive of all gender identities. Residential Life at PLU routinely works with students to address issues of individual need, comfort, and fit with the on-campus living experience.
Technology
PLU is committed to ensuring that identity is reflected in the systems we have in place. To have that be part of institutional systems, we made changes to how gender identities are self-reported. Inclusion within systems helps recognize who someone is, and we celebrate that while understanding that the importance of privacy can differ greatly from person to person.
- Self-reported pronouns
- Self-reported preferred names
- Ensuring the preferred privacy of identities is in place
More work to do
We are committed to finding ways to learn, listen, share, support, celebrate difference, cultivate a sense of belonging, and thrive at PLU, both inside and outside the classroom.
And even as we strive toward living these values, we recognize there’s always more work to be done. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is ever-evolving, and we will continue to create space for our understanding to grow with it.