As a group, we acknowledge that academic science suffers from a lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Science does not operate in a bubble, nor is it apolitical. Rather scientific issues are societal issues, and societal issues, such as racism, bias, and personal safety, are issues that the scientific community must address. This statement was crafted and approved by all laboratory members, and we will revisit it regularly.

We welcome, support, and advocate for community members from diverse backgrounds including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds, races and ethnicities, gender identities and sexualities, religions, disabilities, familial obligations, and other personal identities. 

To do so, we specifically work toward: 

Strong relationships:

  • We will recruit new lab members based on holistic evaluation (not based on ‘pedigree’ or impact factor)

  • We will ensure that each junior trainee has a direct mentoring relationship with a senior lab member

  • We will share opportunities, such as conferences or papers, with trainees to enhance professional development

  • We engage in open conversations with people from all levels

  • We will conduct an annual review between trainee and mentor that includes both scientific goals and career goals

An inclusive environment:

  • We encourage and support non academic career choices, for example, science policy, writing, industry, non-science careers, etc.

  • We discuss societal and ethical issues that affect our group members and others in the community 

  • We advocate for constructive changes on a larger level, such as at the institutional, local, and national levels

  • When safe, we point out problematic behavior 

  • We are accountable to and for each other 

  • We are receptive to constructive criticism 

  • We engage in outreach endeavors to share our science and privilege with the community

  • We do our best to use non gendered language and respect each individual’s pronouns

  • We listen to and accommodate accessibility needs of trainees

  • We devote lab meetings and group discussions to reading works from excluded/marginalized scientists

  • We devote lab meetings and group discussions to discussing DEI issues at least once a semester, or as needed

A healthy environment: 

  • We will not equate self worth to scientific success

  • We will not equate devotion to hours spent in lab

  • We recognize each person’s right to personal privacy

A safe environment:

  • We recognize and follow CDC and NIH recommendations for COVID-19 safety, including masking and social distancing.

  • We acknowledge that unexpected situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are experienced by different people in different ways including emotional and physical. Not everyone will be affected the same and we are flexible in our expectations of others.

We acknowledge that we will all make mistakes. We will learn from our mistakes and take action to correct ourselves.

We acknowledge that our offices and laboratories are located on the ancestral and unceded traditional territories of the Muscogee/Creek Peoples. We acknowledge this not only in thanks to the Indigenous communities who have held relationship with this land for generations but also in recognition of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonialism. Additionally, we acknowledge this as a point of reflection for us all as we work towards dismantling colonial practices.

Updated 1/2021