The WHA is an organization that encourages diverse representation in the historical profession and the field of western history. In 2011 the organization adopted a statement on diversity and updated it in 2017:

“The North American West has been both home to many different groups with divergent belief systems and cultural practices, and a place in which people often experience shifting identities. The Western History Association strives to reflect the richness of our regions. We seek to be an association of historians of diverse backgrounds who thrive in the spirit of mutual respect and engaged curiosity.” 

Preamble

The Western History Association (WHA) works to maintain an environment that allows persons in the historical profession to flourish by encouraging respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of all who participate in WHA activities.  As a statement of principle, the WHA rejects harassment, discrimination, and retaliation by any means, based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.  Sexual harassment creates a hostile environment that impedes the advancement of historical knowledge by marginalizing individuals and communities.  It also damages productivity and career growth, and prevents the healthy exchange of ideas.  We affirm that discrimination and harassment are unacceptable in any research or learning environment.  The WHA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all. 

The following policy pertains to all WHA activities, including events associated with WHA conferences and any WHA-related business occurring throughout the year.  It encompasses interactions in person, by telephone, and by electronic communication.  The policy applies to all members and participants as well as employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and guests.

Read the full policy here.

In August 2019 the American Historical Association published the "Statement from the AHA on Domestic Terrorism, Bigotry, and History." You can read the context of this statement draft and the fine draft on the AHA website. Several governing boards of the AHA Affiliated Societies, including the Western History Association's Council, signed the statement in support of its message.

The WHA Council did not, however, think this statement adequately discusses the historical and contemporary violence again Indigenous peoples in North America.

To this end, the WHA has released the following public statement: "The WHA supports the AHA Statement on Domestic Terrorism, Bigotry, and History. But the WHA Council does not believe this Statement adequately addresses the violence perpetrated against Indigenous peoples throughout North American history. At the Fall 2019 Council Meeting (October 16) the WHA governing body will create a separate statement on violence and history that augments the AHA document with language that more explicitly recognizes this issue. The WHA looks forward to releasing that statement at the end of October."