Purdue University is becoming a leader in the training of Native American graduate students, particularly because graduation of Native Americans from quality four-year programs is blossoming, according to the American Indian Graduate Center.

Cultural diversity is critical in higher education because a variety of perspectives is always conducive to centering on durable truths and because such pursuits are meant to serve a society that is itself multicultural. As a land-grant university, Purdue plays a critical role in providing access to all students. Creating and fostering a culturally diverse educational environment enriches the experiences of majority students who will develop their careers in an increasingly multicultural society.

Curricula will be improved by the integration of Native American perspectives, from traditional environmental knowledge, to Native contributions to shared artistic, culinary, political and economic heritage. In particular, we will integrate Purdue's focus on Native American education with the cultural history of Indiana . The rich historical context of Native Americans in the history of the state should be celebrated and explored at all educational levels.

It is a vital component of Purdue's mission to include students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. We have already identified faculty at Purdue who are dedicated to this mission as well as key faculty members from other institutions who are willing to help build and maintain a pipeline of Native American students to Purdue. Improvement in Native American participation at Purdue will enrich the community and strengthen its intellectual pursuits.

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University's educational programs, services and activities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. For a more complete statement of Purdue's policies of equal access and equal opportunity, visit http://www.purdue.edu/humanrel/vp/nondescrim.shtml. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Human Relations at vphr@purdue.edu or (765) 494-5830.