In 1981, the president and deans of Harvard University established the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations with the mandate to 'improve relations among racial and ethnic groups within the University and to enhance the quality of our common life.' In pursuit of this mission, the Foundation seeks to involve students of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds in the ongoing programmatic enterprises of the College and University and to highlight the cultural contributions of all Harvard students. The Foundation sponsors annual programs and activities that are designed to promote diversity and inclusion in the interest of interracial, intercultural and inter-religious understanding and harmony in the Harvard community.