As educators, we appreciate that diverse approaches, media, and examples enrich student learning experiences. As researchers, embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds among staff, faculty, and students is crucial in shaping meaningful research questions, designing equitable programs, and evaluating outcomes. We recognize the limitations that a singular perspective or educational pathway can impose on personal and professional growth and strive to be flexible and welcoming to different approaches. Understanding that diversity strengthens our collective efforts, we actively promote inclusivity within our community. 

To further encourage a culture of growth and accountability, we invite current and future members of our community to share feedback, ask questions, and actively participate in our commitment to DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) by contacting our committee. Our commitment to DEIJ principles is not just a statement but a pledge  to continuously enhance our understanding of the biological world and to address the challenges and opportunities that confront our society collectively.

Land acknowledgement: 

The Ohio State University acknowledges that its campus is situated on the ancestral and contemporary territory of the Shawnee, Potawatomi, Delaware, Miami, Peoria, Seneca, Wyandotte, Ojibwe, and many other Indigenous peoples. We understand that acknowledging the historical and ongoing impact of colonization is an essential step toward fostering an inclusive environment. Ohio State’s formal land acknowledgment can be found on the Center for Belonging and Social Change website. Native Land Digital provides an interactive map that you can use to learn more about native land and historical territories both here in Ohio and around the world.

Definitions:

Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality, age, (dis)ability, and military/veteran status, political perspective, and associational preferences.

Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure that all campus community members can thrive. Equity is different than equality in that equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are exactly the same. Being equitable means acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities - historic and current - that advantage some and disadvantage others. Equal treatment results in equity only if everyone starts with equal access to opportunities.

Inclusion refers to a campus community in which all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to participate and achieve to their potential. While diversity is essential, it is not sufficient. Since an institution can be both diverse and non-inclusive at the same time, a sustained practice of creating inclusive environments is necessary for success.

Justice refers to making fair and ethical decisions about the distribution of opportunities and resources through interpersonal and institutional engagement. In higher education, a justice approach involves treating students equitably and inclusively, so that they feel safe and secure to learn. Justice also means increasing diverse representation in classroom content as well as in the learners and instructors who engage in and support student success.