Historians study the diversity of human experiences over time. We, the Department of History, recognize that many aspects of these experiences—race, class, gender, religion, and disability, among  others—have particular historical significance because they have served as vectors for the exercise of and resistance to power, profoundly affecting people's daily lives and struggles for equality and justice. We are dedicated to evidence-based interpretations, while recognizing that historical evidence comes from multiple traditions and in many forms, and that its availability is the product of historical power relations.

The Department of History acknowledges that any legitimate attempt to understand the past thus requires deliberate corrective action in order to be hospitable to a diversity of perspectives. We acknowledge the many obstacles that challenge efforts to build an inclusive and supportive community, and we commit to overcoming such obstacles through purposeful action.

As part of our commitment to equity and justice, we aim to foster an environment free of barriers imposed on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, or socio-economic background. We strive to establish spaces of mutual  respect in our classrooms, offices, programs, and events. We are committed to enabling all students, faculty, and staff to enjoy the opportunities of Dartmouth's community while engaging in the productive exchange of historical interpretations. Recognizing that a diverse scholarly profession is our best defense against erasures of history, we are committed to recruiting, mentoring, and fostering the success of faculty, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds.