Diversity Statement

The Division of Biological Sciences recognizes that an inclusive and diverse environment is essential for scientific excellence and innovation in our research, teaching, and service missions. At its core, scientific innovation flourishes from the fusion of different perspectives and experiences, which are inherently linked to the composition of the academic community. 

Therefore, we are committed to building a community in which all participants feel equally welcome and encouraged to contribute. Our commitment requires that all faculty, staff, and students of the Division actively promote an inclusive environment in which all members of the DBS community and visitors feel welcome. As individuals we will strive to recognize our biases and work together to actively minimize their influence on our interactions, opinions, and decisions.  This commitment is reflected in our goal of increasing the participation of members of historically and currently excluded groups in our Division at all levels. 

The Division of Biological Sciences is committed to building an inclusive, unbiased and prejudice-free environment that values, respects, and welcomes all individuals with their diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives* and will support all in their academic and professional development. 

The Division of Biological Sciences is committed to providing a community in which all our members (i.e., faculty, staff, and students) are expected to respectfully interact with all faculty, staff, students, and the public; and recognize the importance of having different perspectives on campus and beyond, which is fostered by having a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

The Division of Biological Sciences is committed to further increasing the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students by recruiting and retaining members of historically and currently excluded groups, particularly those underrepresented in the Division and in the biological sciences nationwide.

Depending on our roles in the department, we have different avenues and responsibilities to foster inclusiveness:

As staff, we are committed to:
  • developing practices and policies that foster inclusiveness and diverse experiences, promoting equal participation of all groups
  • appreciating diverse experiences as opportunities for personal and professional growth
  • welcoming opportunities for professional development, including those addressing inclusiveness and diversity in our workforce and society
As students, we are committed to:
  • being respectful of others in the community, such as peers, faculty, and staff, regardless of their backgrounds
  • appreciating the opportunity to interact with people of different backgrounds
  • utilizing diverse experiences as opportunities for personal and intellectual growth
  • being receptive to new ideas and opinions
As faculty, we are committed to:
  • being role models for promoting inclusiveness and diversity, and being respectful in our interactions with all members of the department, the university community, and the public.
  • developing teaching and mentoring practices that foster inclusiveness and diverse experiences, promoting equal participation of all groups
  • continually revising our teaching methods to avoid approaches that can inadvertently hamper the success of students

The Division of Biological Sciences embraces the evidence that an inclusive environment and a diverse community stimulates scientific innovation and educational excellence. We aspire to become a model for the appreciation, enhancement, and implementation of inclusion and diversity both at MU and within the broader academic community. 

*including but not limited to dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, nationality , age, religious affiliation, physical abilities, learning disabilities, family and parental status, and veteran status.