A statement of solidarity from DIBS
As a community of neuroscientists, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a just and essential foundation for the advancement of our science and our society. We value the scientific, administrative, and social contributions of every member of our community.
We stand in solidarity with persons of color and denounce unjust and inhumane acts of violence.
We will take the lead in educating ourselves, our students and trainees, and others, to address these patterns in our own communities.
We will support underlying brain science that, we believe, will shed light on new strategies for mitigating bias in all its forms. We will disseminate discovery and awareness of bias to minimize the barriers of defensiveness.
We will take action to increase diverse representation and participation in our dialogues, dispel misrepresentations, and counter dehumanization of our Black community members and other marginalized groups.
We will acknowledge, decry, and take action to remedy all forms of racism, discrimination, and bias in our institutions, communities, and society. We will lend our support to communities, public health agencies, and municipal governments seeking to end systemic inequities and racism.
A statement by the Duke faculty, Provost, and President
To achieve our mission and meet the needs of a rapidly changing world, Duke strives to create a climate of collaboration, creativity, and innovation within and across disciplines. Our success depends upon the robust exchange of ideas – an exchange that flourishes best when the rich diversity of human knowledge, perspectives, and experiences is heard. We nonetheless acknowledge that our policies and practices have often failed to ensure equality of participation within our community. Our renewed commitment and responsibility to one another is articulated in the following statement.
Photo courtesy of Duke University Hospital.
The DIBS Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
DIBS serves a large and diverse group of Duke faculty and students. During 2017-2018, we began increasing our support for seminars and symposia on timely topics relevant to increasing diversity and translating that diversity into authentic inclusion in neuroscience, as well as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. One program created from this initiated was the series on “Inclusion & Power Dynamics in Academia,” with support from the Duke Office for Faculty Advancement. Each semester, there was a series of programs and workshops designed for faculty, students, and staff to learn more about equity issues. For more information on programming, see our Initiatives page.
Duke University Community Commitment
Because diversity is essential to fulfilling the university’s mission, Duke is committed to building an inclusive and diverse university community. Every student, faculty, and staff member —whatever their race, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage or nationality; religious or political beliefs; sexual orientation or gender identity; or socioeconomic, veteran or ability status—has the right to inclusion, respect, agency and voice in the Duke community. Further, all members of the University community have a responsibility to uphold these values and actively foster full participation in university life.