Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Chemistry Department Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community works to identify and recommend practices, procedures, and activities that the Department can incorporate to recruit, retain, train, and mentor our department’s members in ways that propagate and make visible the values of diversity and an inclusive culture.

We use the following guiding principles for promoting well-conceived policies and procedures that create a supportive climate within the department:

  • Transparency/Communication: Making all kinds of information available and easy to find
  • Uniformity/Inclusion: Leveling the field, dealing equitably with all constituents, and ensuring that members feel included.
  • Assistance: Attending to the needs of departmental constituents (faculty, students, and staff); connecting individuals to mentoring and other types of help.

The Duke Chemistry Department aspires to create a community built on excellence, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. As scientists, educators, collaborators and co-workers, we are committed to promoting a culture of mutual respect that inspires creativity, relishes scientific inquiry, fosters intellectual curiosity, and rewards collaborative engagement. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas – an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.