Diversity & Inclusion

Welcome to our vibrant campus community that celebrates diversity, encourages individual expression, and values openness, kindness and mutual respect. Find yourself at home here with friends and colleagues who come from different countries, cultural backgrounds and life experiences.

Founded on Principles of Equality and Inclusion


In 1959, the Board of Home Missions of the Congregational and Christian Churches (later renamed the United Church of Christ) provided the initial funding to establish a four-year liberal arts college in Sarasota that would become New College of Florida. The church stipulated that the “college shall be open to all students qualified for its academic program. Race, creed, national origin, or cultural status shall not be considered as a basis for denial of admission.”

No other Florida college or university, public or private, had an open admissions policy. The church’s funding was also contingent upon the college agreeing that its board of trustees would be open to the nomination of black trustees. The college’s founders also stipulated:

“The college is not just tolerant of all faiths; it expects proponents of various beliefs to be mutually respectful and willing to open their faith to the community.”

Campus Resources

Departments and offices across campus offer a variety of resources to support the varying needs of students inside and outside of the classroom.

Office of Outreach & Inclusive Excellence

This Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence serves as a focal point for New College community outreach, as well as campus diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Outreach & Inclusive Excellence

Advocacy and Accessible Learning Center

AALC works collaboratively with faculty, staff and students to ensure that appropriate accommodations, services, resources and referrals are made that provide equity both inside and outside of the classroom.

Advocacy and Accessible Learning Center

Gender Studies Program

Gender Studies, recognized as an interdisciplinary academic program at New College since 1995, draws on curricula across the campus (and beyond) to introduce students to the complex focal problem of “gender” and to support student and faculty research in this dynamic field. Gender Studies is an active part of life on campus, including the Pride Living Learning Community, Feminist Fridays discussion group, and Queery student group.

Gender Studies

Gender and Diversity Center

The GDC seeks to foster an environment conducive to the social, intellectual and academic well-being of the New College community by providing a space that facilitates learning and makes available resources for exploring, communicating and supporting diverse experiences.

Campus Ministry

Faith and spiritual life occupy an important place in the lives of many New College students. Campus Ministry seeks to serve the New College community by nurturing all faith communities on campus.

Campus Ministry

Campus Climate and Culture Committee

The Campus Climate and Culture Committee (4C) advises the president and serves as a resource for the extended New College community. The committee’s charge is to collaborate with various campus offices and committees to nourish a truly diverse, inclusive and affirming community. The committee also addresses issues identified by community members and sets a yearly agenda for itself. This committee consists of two students, two staff and two faculty who meet at least once a month, and additionally as needed.

Making a Better New Podcast

Our Making a Better [New] podcast invites members of the campus community to reflect on diversity, equity and inclusion at New College. Listen to the podcast

History & Heritage Months

Celebrate the rich history, culture and contemporary realities of Black and LatinX communities through films, workshops, concerts and lectures.

Black History Month

Black History Month at New College honors Black communities in the United States and abroad, highlighting the complexity and multiplicity of blackness and Black experiences.

Black History Month

LatinX Heritage Month

Celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, LatinX Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions of people of all LatinX identities.

Student Groups

Check out the diverse student affinity groups at New College.

Our plan is to effect change by creating spaces and hosting events that encourage community members to critically engage with issues of race and identity in their personal lives and in relations to the larger social world.

New College Hillel seeks to facilitate and invigorate Jewish life on campus with weekly events, carpools to services at local synagogues, Birthright trips and many other exciting opportunities.

New Life is a place for students from Christian backgrounds and those who are curious about the Christian belief to engage in Bible study, take part in worship and pray for one another.

Queery serves to maintain New College as a safe place for LGBTQ+ identified individuals and their allies to socialize and engage with the larger community.

The goal of T Party is provide a secure place for transgender student to support each other and bond over a common aspect of our identity.

Sarasota and Bradenton Resources

The Sarasota and Bradenton area offers may resources in support of diversity, equity and inclusion.

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