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Resources for Underrepresented Groups in Philosophy

Undergraduate Diversity Institutes

The American Philosophical Association maintains a list of undergraduate diversity institutes in philosophy. That list currently includes:

Organizations and Initiatives

MAP International: MAP is a collection of students in philosophy departments that aims to examine and address issues of minority participation in academic philosophy. Though primarily led by graduate students, MAP also relies on faculty support and encourages undergraduate participation. Though the format of MAP varies from school to school, each chapter aims broadly at addressing (a) minority issues in the profession, (b) theoretical issues regarding philosophy of gender, race, sexual orientation, class, disability, native language, etc., and (c) philosophy done from minority perspectives. Meeting formats include: external or internal speakers, reading groups, film screenings, mentorship events for undergraduates or graduates, panel discussions, practical workshops (e.g., on communication techniques, navigating stereotype threat or implicit bias). Once a year, representatives from each participating school meet to discuss their chapter's progress.

The Society for Women and Philosophy: The Society for Women in Philosophy was started in 1972 to promote and support women in philosophy. SWIP holds divisional meetings, meetings in conjunction with the meetings of the American Philosophical Association, and it publishes newsletters.

The Center for Social Justice, Education, and LGBT Communities (SJE) Resources: SJE helps to ensure that all students have equitable access to available campus resources. Staff at SJE are committed to meeting one on one with students for advising and guidance as it relates to housing, club involvement, academic areas of study, biased incidents, financial instability, familial rejection, coming out, transitioning, and emotional support.

American Philosophical Association (APA) Resources: APA provides comprehensive structural support and resources for underrepresented groups through dedicated diversity committees, including those for Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled philosophers. Key resources include specialized grant funding, such as the Diversity and Inclusiveness Grant Program and travel assistance, demographic data on the profession, and a diversity syllabus collection. Furthermore, the APA coordinates undergraduate diversity institutes to mentor future scholars, offers professional guidance, publishes identity-specific newsletters, and maintains rigorous anti-harassment policies alongside a dedicated discrimination ombudsperson to protect marginalized individuals within the discipline.

Underrepresented Groups in Philosophy

The Rutgers Department of Philosophy strives to maintain a supportive environment for graduate students belonging to other underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ graduate students, graduate students of racial and ethnic minorities, and graduate students with disabilities. Though some of the challenges faced by members of these groups are the same as those faced by women in philosophy, many are not. In recognition of the need to address the situation of each underrepresented group individually, the Department has collected a number of resources for students from underrepresented groups in philosophy.

Resources for Women and Gender Minorities

Resources for LGBTQ Grad Students

Resources for Grad Students of Racial and Ethnic Minorities

APA Resources

Further Resources