DEIB
A Legacy of Building Belonging
SWE’s understanding of and support for the diversity of its members has evolved over the past 75 years, from quietly supporting civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s to publicly advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) on a number of fronts today.
Explore SWE's Legacy Below
Support Our Legacy
In honor of our diamond anniversary, consider making a donation this year in support of SWE’s ongoing mission. It can and will make all the difference.
Featured Merch
Showcase items such as commemorative shirts, pins, and other branded items celebrating the anniversary.
When the 1957 SWE national convention hotel in Houston refused to honor the room reservation of Yvonne Young Clark because she was Black, leaders and members ensured she could fully participate in the convention. SWE implemented policies afterward to prevent similar situations in the future.
SWE welcomed six sections from historically Black colleges and universities by 1980 and members from many races and ethnicities, but struggled at first to develop programming relevant to their distinct experiences and needs.
The Society adopted a mission statement in 1985 identifying diversity as one of its core values and functions. In 1998 the Council of Section Representatives, predecessor to today’s Senate, adopted Diversity Principles to further elucidate SWE’s understanding of diversity.
Working toward a more nuanced understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, in recent years the Society has created affinity groups for people of similar identities to come together and has increased the opportunities for members to learn about the many facets of diversity.
In recent years, the Society has strived to be internally accountable to its ideals, identifying gaps in its programming, diversifying its leadership pipeline, and opening many of its awards to persons of all genders, in keeping with its updated 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.
