Every person is given an equal chance for employment and enrollment. Each individual is judged on his or her individual merit. Sex, race, ethnic background, religious affiliation, political persuasion, sexual persuasion, physical condition or appearance, and age have no bearing. We welcome all and will judge those who come on their merits as individuals. That is where affirmative action comes in.
Affirmative action differs from equal opportunity.
It requires overt action and special effort to overcome the historic exclusion of women and minorities, as well as other protected classes, from full participation in American society. Affirmative action can, therefore, expand the range of talent available to American society and to American students. Affirmative action, moreover, can lead to greater diversity of people and programs, and that can help us all learn more about the cosmopolitan and varied society we live in. Affirmative action is a matter of principle. Virginia Tech is committed to equity, human rights, and human dignity.