Our PURPOSE

The purpose of the Committee is to initiate, coordinate, and promote efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and equity in our department, our university, and the scientific community. Through actions and advocacy, the Committee seeks to make our department a vibrant scientific community in which research, education, training, and outreach are strengthened by the expression of diverse perspectives and approaches. We also hope to advance these goals at the University of Chicago, in the scientific fields of ecology and evolution, and in the larger society.

Our activities and programs are open to all members of the E&E Department community and are intended to benefit the entire community. Participation is entirely voluntary.  We welcome input, suggestions, and discussion from all members of the department community.

We work to:

• Foster an inclusive environment in our department that supports scientists and students of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and that celebrates the expression of this diversity;
• Empower all members of our department to work together to build a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive scientific community;
• Increase the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our department community via outreach, recruitment, mentorship, and mutual support; and
• Embody equity for all. We want to expand opportunities for all people to participate and succeed in science, research, and education by recognizing and counteracting factors in society and academia that can narrow such opportunities. In this, we are inspired by the UChicago Biological Sciences Division, which holds as one of its central values to “Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.” We are also inspired by the words of UChicago President Alivisatos and Provost Baicker: “Our commitment to diversity and inclusion puts us on a positive institutional journey of expanding opportunity. It requires that we remain attentive to and address instances of bias and exclusion that diminish our opportunities. We strive continually to improve our campus climate and experience.” 

Here you can find the most up-to-date version of our charter statement.