The Truman School promotes respect for diversity by exposing students to national and international scholars, governmental and nonprofit leaders, and students from various countries who exemplify public service values. Through their coursework, students build knowledge and develop critical thinking and analytic skills that enable them to advance in careers in a rapidly changing public service.  

Emphasis on Diversity 

The Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity at the University dedicates funds to hiring and retaining diverse faculty and staff, sponsors a lectures series, and requires diversity training for all faculty, staff, and students. All departments have access to this programming and resources, including education and professional development programs for students, faculty, and staff.  

Mizzou also has a number of organizations and resources to help meet the needs of our diverse student body including:

Our Commitment  

As a school devoted to promoting the values of public service and good governance, the Truman School ensures our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to dismantle structural racism and promote inclusion, diversity, and equality in our institutions and policies. We are responsible for supporting our students and colleagues of all backgrounds and providing an inclusive learning environment.  

To do our part to effect positive change, the Truman School faculty and staff pledge to do the following: 

  • Educate ourselves about racism and discrimination in the classroom and how we can improve by participating in programming and workshops offered by our professional associations and the MU Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Office. 

  • Ensure discussion of these important issues is incorporated into our syllabi through assignments and woven into classroom discussions. Faculty will add more topics and readings into our courses that focus on diversity, equity, and injustice. 

  • Raise awareness of these issues among students by incorporating additional training and activities into our professional development programming for students, faculty, and staff.  

  • Provide students with knowledge about the importance of equality and diversity in political thought; how government, politics, and public policy have decreased, as well as increased, equality for all underrepresented groups; and how people without traditional access to political power have made the world a more just place through their political activism. 

  • Continue to conduct research that enhances equality in public affairs, public policy, and the political system.  

  • Continue to work toward a more inclusive environment that is welcoming to diverse faculty, staff, and students. 

We encourage you to reach out to us when we fall short of your expectations for creating an inclusive experience for students at Mizzou.