The New School for Social Research seeks to build a community diverse in its members, in the presentation of ideas, and in curricular and co-curricular activities. These goals are pursued through a number of means, including the Executive and Budget Committee. The Executive and Budget Committee seeks to address issues surrounding retention and recruitment of students of color, diversity in the curriculum, and the appointment, retention, and promotion of a substantial number of faculty of color. The New School for Social Research works actively as a part of The New School's University Diversity Initiative. See here for more information: http://www.newschool.edu/diversity/home.html

The New School sponsors a variety of academic, cultural, and social gatherings designed to reflect the diversity of its community. The University and various student organizations sponsor special meetings during orientation to address issues of concern to particular groups of students: students of color, gay students, and women.

In 1990, the University established the University Scholars Program to attract and retain African American and Latino American students. Diamond Fellowships were established in 1994 to further support this effort. Scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on academic merit. A description of these programs is in the Scholarships section of this website.