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Statement to Reaffirm the Virginia Tech Principles of Community

March 5, 2025

In recognition of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Virginia Tech Principles of Community, the Faculty Senate of Virginia Tech reaffirms our commitment to these aspirations and values. The undersigned, on behalf of their respective senates, join us in this reaffirmation.

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world community. Learning from the experiences that shape Virginia Tech as an institution, we acknowledge those aspects of our legacy that reflected bias and exclusion. Therefore, we adopt and practice the following principles as fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members:

  • We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.

  • We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.

  • We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and the University. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.

  • We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination and for increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.

  • We pledge our collective commitment to these principles in the spirit of the Virginia Tech motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Rachel Miles 
President, Faculty Senate

Janice Austin
President, Administrative and Professional Faculty Senate

LaTawnya Burleson
President, Staff Senate

Ronnie Mondal
President, Graduate and Professional Student Senate

Kiera Schneiderman
President, Undergraduate Student Senate