The Frederick Douglass Institute for Intercultural Research at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is an interdisciplinary, campuswide body that serves as a resource for information about, and advocacy on issues related to, equity and diversity at IUP.
The Institute works to honor and deepen the intellectual legacy of Frederick Douglass, the former slave, distinguished orator, journalist, author, and statesman who visited Indiana, Pennsylvania, in 1872 to give a public lecture.
At IUP, the Douglass Institute is primarily involved in three areas:
- Acting as an advisory body and advocate for issues of importance to historically underrepresented groups in higher education, particularly as they affect faculty.
- Supporting the recruitment, retention, and success of women faculty and faculty of color at the university.
- Nurturing an academic community that will support the growth, development, and success of all students and faculty at the university.
To meet and advance these goals, the FDI seeks to work collaboratively with the African American Cultural Center, the Pan-African Studies program, the Women’s Studies program, and other groups and organizations seeking to enhance and support campus diversity.
