On January 12, 1994, President Vest said*:

"This requires ... that we work to create at MIT an atmosphere of civility,
collegiality, and mutual respect - one that stimulates and supports all of our
faculty, students and staff.

MIT has always been a place where people with exceptional talents and intellect
have gathered to work, to explore, to learn, and to teach. Success in these
efforts will enable us not only to reflect the changing face of America,
but to draw on the full range of talents needed to meet the challenges of a
changing world."

* http://web.mit.edu/president/communications/diversity-3-95.html