The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at the University of California, Riverside fully supports and upholds the University of California’s mission to value diverse perspectives and identities, foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, and actively dismantle systemic discrimination. We recognize that our subfields of biology, and higher education more generally, have not historically served all communities equitably. We are committed to being part of a transformation toward a more just, inclusive, and anti-racist academic environment.
As educators, researchers, and mentors, we make efforts to create inclusive and supportive environments for all members of our community. This is especially true for those who have been historically marginalized due to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, or other aspects of identity. Particularly in the current environment, we acknowledge the ongoing impacts of systemic inequities and are committed to supporting our students as they navigate their university experience.
In our classrooms, we strive to cultivate an environment where every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. This includes fostering respect for diverse viewpoints, critical thinking, and open dialogue. We are committed to continually improving our teaching practices to be inclusive and responsive, recognizing that inclusive pedagogy strengthens the learning experience for everyone. We work to make our curricula representative of diverse contributions to science and to challenge historical biases in scientific discourse. We aim to have our faculty and seminar speakers reflect the diversity of our student body.
Within the EEOB department, we recognize that the biological sciences have historically excluded or undervalued the contributions of scientists from marginalized backgrounds. Biological knowledge has been and continues to be misused by pseudoscientific racist “thinkers” and organizations to justify atrocities against marginalized people. We are working to intentionally confront this in our teaching and mentorship. Our teaching, research, and mentorship are rooted in the understanding that science is not conducted in a vacuum and is shaped by the experiences and identities of those who participate in it. We strive to ensure that all students see themselves reflected in the field and feel empowered to contribute to its advancement.
We understand that building an anti-racist organization is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort, humility, and accountability. We are committed to listening to our students, staff, and colleagues, responding to their feedback, and evolving our policies and practices accordingly. In alignment with UC’s mission, we are determined to ensure that everyone in our department has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.