Our reputation as the world's most distinguished academic scholarship rests not on the controversial life of our founder but on the enormous contributions our Scholars have made to the world. Today, all of us around the world are called to join the struggle for equality and inclusion of all peoples of diverse backgrounds and identities, to eradicate systemic racism and to confront legacies of slavery, imperialism, and white supremacy.
We cannot reconcile or heal if we do not acknowledge and see. As the Rhodes Trust, we acknowledge that our foundation was built on colonial wealth and that varied forms of discrimination played a significant role in our history. While we have moved beyond our past in important ways, much more is required. We take ownership of our responsibility to engage more fully, critically and honestly with our history, to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to engage in anti-racist action, and to take concrete steps to make our communities more inclusive and diverse. In so doing, we hope to enhance our ability to support Scholars who will make positive change.
