University Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno is situated on the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. These lands continue to be a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their deep connections to these places. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory.
We, the EECB faculty and students of the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno, condemn all forms of discrimination and recognize that systemic bias is pervasive in academia. EECB fully supports the goals of Black Lives Matter, DiversifySTEM, QueerSTEM, DiversifyEEB, Black Ecologists Matter, and allied groups.
We recognize that systemic anti-Blackness, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and transphobia have contributed substantially to a lack of diversity in EECB fields, and we support all individuals and organizations working towards correcting these injustices. We commit to holding ourselves accountable for recognizing and eliminating systemic discrimination within our unit with regard to race, ethnicity, national origins, immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, and religion. We commit ourselves to identifying and dismantling the barriers to accessibility and full participation in our disciplines because we recognize that the greatest scientific advancements will require the full scope of human creativity and experience. We commit to being active participants and leaders in the substantial review and renewal that is needed in education, research and academic policies related to student and faculty equity. Some solutions are within our immediate reach, while others require developing policies and practices that can only be implemented at higher administrative levels or in partnership with our surrounding community. We commit to the long-term work required to develop and implement these actions on our campus, in our local community, as well as our broader scientific societies.
The EECB faculty commitment to bold transformation will require ongoing review and refinement, but our first steps toward the future we seek will be led by our new EECB Faculty Diversity Committee.
This committee will:
- Coordinate with the EECB Student Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee;
- Maintain and review data concerning EECB faculty and student diversity to identify barriers in recruitment and retention;
- Review and update student recruitment, admissions and training objectives to align with diversity and equity goals;
- Integrate diversity training into our curriculum;
- Formalize a mechanism by which faculty and students can safely report and review any discriminatory or exclusionary acts;
- Review and enhance ongoing in-reach and outreach programs to maximize achievement of diversity and equity; and
- Ensure that new grant proposals include funding to give research experiences to underrepresented high school, undergraduate, graduate students or teachers in our community.