Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Working toward an inclusive community

Our Aims

As a department, we seek to welcome and elevate all members of our academic community by fostering an active environment that celebrates our differences and commonalities. We aspire to ensure that all members of our department feel respected and championed for their true individuality. Our diversity enhances the educational, research, and service goals we seek through the reflection of multiple perspectives. We work intentionally to support our members’ access to and inclusion in our activities to most effectively prepare them to engage in society.

Our commitment to taking action

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee furthers these goals. The committee includes representatives from undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, non-tenured and tenured faculty, and staff. The committee reaches out to the community for input, organizes educational events, facilitates inclusive social gatherings, and provides resources related to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.

 

a slide from Shanna Kattari's presentation on the impact of COVID

COVID-19's impacts on inclusivity with Shanna Kattari

In this selection from WashU's intensive course “The Pandemic: Science and Society,” professor Shanna Kattari, PhD, MEd, CSE, ACS, discusses disability/ableism and on trans and nonbinary people and COVID-19. Kattari, an assistant professor of social work and assistant professor of women's studies at the University of Michigan, discusses the idea of "rationing of care," and what "reopening" means to these communities.

Condemning the anti-Asian violence in Atlanta

Condemning the anti-Asian violence in Atlanta

Celebrating Black History Month 2021

Celebrating Black History Month 2021

Recent DEI News

"Black St. Louisans Didn't Miss How White Lives Mattered As Mob Stormed Capitol"

By Chad Davis, Andrea Y. Henderson, St. Louis Public Radio, January 11, 2021

Read or listen to the piece

"LGBTQ researchers say they want to be counted"

LGBTQ individuals may be underrepresented in science, but data are currently lacking. By Katie Langin, Science, 18 Dec 2020

Read the article

"I’ve been there. Fighting stereotypes in the world of science."

NSF’s Build and Broaden program seeks to expand minority participation in the social, behavioral and economic sciences and increase the ability of minority-serving institutions to acquire NSF support for research. By Kellina Craig-Henderson, PhD, NSF, 8 Dec 2020

Read the article

"Paper Recommends Women Avoid Female Mentors, Drawing Outrage"

A study makes policy recommendations to optimize citations, but critics say it fails to acknowledge that citations are a biased and narrow measure of scientific success. By Viviane Callier, The Scientist, 24 Nov 2020

Read the article

Educational Materials

Find a selection of articles and information about gender bias in the sciences, the power of diversity, and more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educational Materials

Current Committee Members

WashU Resources

  • WashU Cares

    WashU Cares assists the university in handling situations involving the safety and well-being of Danforth Campus students, including online reporting.

  • SafeZones

    Undergraduate SafeZones is a peer facilitation group that educates and fosters discussion around LGBTQIA* issues in order to promote the development of a more open and inclusive university community.

  • Uncle Joe's Peer Counseling Resource Center

    Uncle Joe's offers highly trained peer counselors for undergraduates.

  • Mental Health Services

    Mental Health Services (MHS) at WashU is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and affirming community of care for all students.

  • Center for Diversity and Inclusion

    The CDI supports and advocates for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

  • Bias Reporting

    Reporting system for students, faculty, staff, and community members who have experienced or witnessed incidents of bias, prejudice, or discrimination.