Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

The Network sets intersectional antiracism and climate justice as a core value, and will nurture a culture of inclusion through diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just collaborations and partnerships. We recognize that systemic racism and intersectional oppression are deeply embedded in our educational systems, and that policies targeting collaboration with members of disenfranchised groups in STEM often fail to be sustainable due to white privilege and white savior complex. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women and gender nonbinary individuals, and individuals with disabilities also frequently face additional burdens in daily exchanges, including microaggressions, tokenisms, and othering. Nurturing a culture of inclusion can only be successful and sustainable when all members of the Network recognize manifestations of systemic racism and intersectional oppression in working relationships, and acquire skills to actively oppose such ideas, cultures, and policies.

Our aim is to establish Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice as a normative practice in our network. We aspire to do this in three ways:

1. 1. In science by amplifying voices of historically marginalized groups by featuring multiple ways of understanding.
   2. In education by nurturing members of oppressed groups in STEM by removing barriers of gatekeeping and microaggressions.
   3. In advocacy by centering science and education around DEIJ best practices.