Vision for Diversity

Northwestern College’s Vision for Diversity articulates our commitment to be a college community reflective of the diversity found in God’s good creation. The document aligns with Northwestern’s core values as expressed in our mission statement, Vision for Learning, and Christian Identity Statement. Focused on historically underrepresented ethnic minorities and women, the Vision for Diversity is firmly rooted in a biblical paradigm and considers how the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption and restoration sheds light on our understanding of human difference and directs our participation in God’s redeeming work. This statement was developed by Northwestern College’s Multi-Ethnic Resource Committee (now the Diversity Resource Committee) with broad campus input and approved by the Board of Trustees in October 2015.

Guided by the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption and restoration, Northwestern College strives to pursue God’s redeeming work in the world by courageously and faithfully engaging the fullness of our similarities and differences in our learning and living together.

We embrace diversity in God’s creation

valuing each person as created in the image of the triune God and thus intended for community
respecting the complexity of human identities
recognizing human difference as central to an education that fosters critical thinking, empathy and dialogue

We lament human brokenness

grieving our thoughts, words and actions that diminish, caricature or isolate one another
confessing our failure to hear and respond to marginalized voices on campus and in the world
recognizing our past and current participation in unjust social systems
repenting from any form of dehumanization that distorts God’s creation

We reconcile with one another

bridging divisions that separate people from one another and from God
partaking in courageous conversations where varied perspectives are welcome
challenging unjust systems of power, privilege and oppression
building and sustaining social structures that foster the common good

We embody shalom

anticipating restored creation, where people from every nation, tribe and language worship God and live in harmony
pursuing human flourishing in our relationships, curriculum, staffing, resource allocation and corporate actions
affirming that all things hold together in Christ, to the glory of God