Vassar has been selected to join the inaugural Prejudice to Pluralism Cohort, a national initiative led by Interfaith America (IA) to advance pluralism and address rising levels of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry.

This cohort experience equips senior higher-education leaders with the knowledge, resources, and support to cultivate campus environments grounded in respect for diverse identities, engagement across differences, and cooperation around shared concerns.

An IA grant of $20,000, as well as advisement from IA will aid Vassar in implementing campus-based projects designed to reduce prejudice and strengthen pluralism, with an emphasis on restorative practice and design.

“We are grateful to Interfaith America for the invitation to be part of the Prejudice to Pluralism Cohort. We look forward to the opportunity to learn from colleagues from across the country, and to deepen our commitment to pluralism on campus,” said Reverend Callista Isabelle, Associate Dean of the College for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices.

“While Vassar has been a leader for 10 years in higher education with its work on pluralism, we have a novel opportunity to explore pluralism at the intersection of race and faith,” noted Professor Kimberly Williams Brown, Director of Engaged Pluralism at Vassar. “We are excited about how this new cohort experience with others who are grappling with pluralism on their campuses will allow us to help shape the conversation and to learn from colleagues across the country. The work of Engaged Pluralism at Vassar will be greatly enhanced by the invitation to learn and grow with others who want to understand and institute pluralism on their campuses.”

Other members of the cohort are:

• Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA
• George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
• Haverford College, Haverford, PA
• Tufts University, Medford, MA
• Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Maryland, College Park
• University of Massachusetts Amherst

Through this initiative, Interfaith America continues its commitment to helping higher-education institutions create campus environments where diversity is a source of strength, students are prepared for leadership in a pluralistic democracy, and communities are equipped to work across differences.

About Interfaith America

Interfaith America was founded in 2002 based on the idea that religious differences should serve as a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division. Since that time, Interfaith America has evolved from a small Chicago-based nonprofit to the nation’s premier interfaith organization. Led by Founder and President Eboo Patel, IA activates leaders to build an interfaith America. Utilizing a research-backed approach, IA works across campus, civic, and corporate sectors.

About Vassar College

Founded in 1861 and based in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation, and for the beauty of its campus, just 85 miles north of New York City. Originally founded to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar became coeducational in 1969.