Wellesley College, the highly rated liberal arts educational institution for women in Massachusetts, announced plans to enhance and add to existing multicultural centers on campus and to create a network of multicultural groups.
Under the new plan, the former residence of the dean of students will be converted to provide space for centers for Asian, Latina, and LBGTQ students. Harambee House, which has served as a center for women students of African descent since 1970 will be renovated.
In a letter to the campus community, H. Kim Bottomly and other top administrators wrote that “Wellesley is committed to building a living and learning environment in which each student can thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Creating a network of multicultural spaces on campus will allow students to collaborate with and draw strength from those with whom they share a common identity while, at the same time, promoting intercultural dialogue and connection among all members of the Wellesley community.”
Tracey Cameron, assistant dean of the Office of Intercultural Education and director of Harambee House, said that the plan “reaffirms our commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive environment for students. For far too long there has been a need for other marginalized groups on campus to have a safe space where students of shared cultures can be with one another and have programs together. I believe that this is a step in the right direction.”