Brandeis University

(Founded by the American Jewish Community)

(Many believed that Louis Brandeis’ successful career as “the people’s lawyer,” along with his strong support of social causes, Zionism, and service as the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice made his the most appropriate name to be associated with the new university).
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

Albert Einstein’s key role in the beginnings of what would become Brandeis University cannot be denied. It was his name that gained large public support when it was needed in the early days of the project, and he strongly believed that a Jewish university could make many valuable contributions to society.

When the name of the university was agreed upon, Einstein made a particularly insightful remark, writing, “Brandeis is a name that cannot merely be adopted. It is one that must be achieved.” Statements of this nature only serve to further remind us all of the unique opportunities and responsibilities we all share as students at a university associated with Justice Brandeis.
Historical Overview

Founded in 1948, Brandeis University is named for the late Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the distinguished associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, and reflects the ideals of academic excellence and social justice he personified. Coeducational classes began on the site of the former Middlesex University in Waltham, Massachusetts, with 107 students and 13 faculty members.

Guided for 20 years by its founding president, Abram L. Sachar, Brandeis grew quickly, establishing itself as an important national and international center for teaching and research. In 1961, only 13 years after the university's founding, Phi Beta Kappa accreditation was conferred. Under each succeeding president, the university continued to grow in breadth and stature, while maintaining the very human scale of its educational environment and its solid liberal arts focus.

In 1985, Brandeis was elected to membership in the Association of American Universities, which represents the 61 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
Mission/Diversity Statements

Mission Statement

Brandeis University is a community of scholars and students united by their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and its transmission from generation to generation. As a research university, Brandeis is dedicated to the advancement of the humanities, arts and social, natural and physical sciences. As a liberal arts college, Brandeis affirms the importance of a broad and critical education in enriching the lives of students and preparing them for full participation in a changing society, capable of promoting their own welfare, yet remaining deeply concerned about the welfare of others.

In a world of challenging social and technological transformations, Brandeis remains a center of open inquiry and teaching, cherishing its independence from any doctrine or government. It strives to reflect the heterogeneity of the United States and of the world community whose ideas and concerns it shares. In the belief that the most important learning derives from the personal encounter and joint work of teacher and students, Brandeis encourages undergraduates and postgraduates to participate with distinguished faculty in research, scholarship and artistic activities.

Brandeis was founded in 1948 as a nonsectarian university under the sponsorship of the American Jewish community to embody its highest ethical and cultural values and to express its gratitude to the United States through the traditional Jewish commitment to education. By being a nonsectarian university that welcomes students, teachers and staff of every nationality, religion and orientation, Brandeis renews the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.

The university that carries the name of the justice who stood for the rights of individuals must be distinguished by academic excellence, by truth pursued wherever it may lead and by awareness of the power and responsibilities that come with knowledge.
Diversity Statement

Established in 1948 as a model of ethnic and religious pluralism Brandeis University:

• Considers social justice central to its mission as a nonsectarian university founded by members of the American Jewish community.

• Aims to engage members of our community as active citizens in a multicultural world. • Seeks to build an academic community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds and life experiences.

• Believes that diverse backgrounds and ideas are crucial to academic excellence.

• Recognizes the need to analyze and address the ways in which social, cultural and economic inequalities affect power and privilege in the larger society and at Brandeis itself.

• Honors freedom of expression and civility of discourse as fundamental educational cornerstones.

• Seeks to safeguard the safety, dignity and well-being of all its members.

• Endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the diversity of the larger society.