Statement on Inclusion & Diversity

Global scientific challenges and problems affect every single one of us, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, or birthplace. Yet again and again it has become unquestionably clear that the burdens of these challenges affect us and our communities disproportionately – with marginalized populations often facing the brunt of impacts.

As a scientific community working to address these issues, we affirm that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is the just thing to do. It is the moral thing to do. And it is also the scientific thing to do.  The practice of science is significantly and meaningfully improved through diversity: diversity of thinkers, diversity of experience, diversity of background, diversity of thought.

In the Virginia Tech College of Science, diversity, equity, and inclusion makes us stronger and makes us better. When scientists with different perspectives come together to solve problems, they see new and innovative answers and they come up with more robust solutions.  When scientific teams are diverse and inclusive, their solutions to society’s most challenging issues are more inclusive, more sustainable, more comprehensive, more relevant, and more impactful.  

The heartbeat of the College of Science is its people – faculty, staff, and students – who are passionate about research, teaching, and learning.  We are also passionate about and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in all its forms, throughout the College of Science. We furthermore acknowledge that it is not enough to talk about it – we are committed to doing something about it by improving representational diversity, creating inclusive cultures and communities, and striving towards equity in the college, in the university, and in our communities.

Science is important to the health and welfare of all people. The College of Science welcomes all people to join us in our quest to advance science for the betterment of humanity.