Mission Statement

The department-wide, permanent OEB Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Committee aims to acknowledge, address, and repair systemic injustice within our community and throughout science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through the misapplication of the theory of Darwinism to explain social phenomena, use of collections as a tool for colonialism, and promotion of discriminatory ideas such as eugenics, our field of biology has helped propagate systems of oppression against Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with (dis)abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ communities, among others. As a community we acknowledge that we have contributed to this problem and have much to learn. We are dedicated to the work that is necessary to create meaningful and lasting change in our department and beyond. 

We commit to: 1) Researching and documenting areas of discrimination and inequity within our community; 2) Educating ourselves and our departmental community about the value of diversity and best practices to reduce prejudices, and; 3) Cultivating and actively fostering a more inclusive environment. These commitments will be applied to areas such as recruitment and retention, inclusive excellence, mentorship, departmental values, accountability, and outreach. Our committee members include students, staff, and faculty associated with OEB and affiliated institutions, including museums. With input from all constituencies, we aim to identify, develop, and implement resources, trainings, and initiatives focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging. With significant effort, we envision a future community where everyone feels welcome, heard, and supported within our department.

(Ratified by full Committee on August 20, 2021)