Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Justice and support for marginalized communities cannot be separated from the practice of science.
Image modified from sammykatta.com/diversity
We must actively work to recognize the obstacles that scientists (and potential scientists) from marginalized communities face, and dismantle structures of power that prevent them from succeeding. We must also consider the effects of our research and research choices on marginalized communities.We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive space for all scientists who are driven to work towards to our lab mission of understanding lethal prostate cancer. We value and encourage engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nation of origin, or worldview.
We support open minded and candid conversation to challenge our personal assumptions and to foster mutual respect and collaboration. We encourage lab members to participate in community science outreach, including through internship programs for students from historically underrepresented groups in the Baltimore area. We aim to provide a safe space for lab members to engage in self-education about racial justice and systemic discrimination against marginalized communities, including on the basis of culture, gender, and background, especially as pertains to the scientific and academic community and our geographical home of Johns Hopkins and the City of Baltimore.
Our pledge:
To facilitate a culture of diversity and inclusion, we will:
– speak up for and work towards change when we witness or are made aware of policies or microaggressions that disadvantage these communities.
– actively engage with internship programs to engage URM students in cancer research (including the Brady’s SURE program).
– maintain a lending library for books related to diversity in science for the department.
All members of the lab including visitors are expected to comply to our code of conduct in lab and at any lab-related event, including trips, conferences, and out-of-lab activities.
We are dedicated to providing a safe and accepting work environment for everyone free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. All lab members are expected to abide by the Johns Hopkins University’s policies on discrimination and harassment: https://oie.jhu.edu/discrimination-and-harassment/
We will not tolerate any verbal or physical harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, body size, race, color, religion, marital status, pregnancy, or national origin. We will not tolerate intimidation, retaliation, “hazing,” bullying, sustained disruption of speech, inappropriate physical contact, assault, or unwelcome sexual attention.
If you are being harassed or notice someone else being harassed, please report to Dr. Ken Pienta or Dr. Sarah Amend immediately. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to someone in the lab, reach out to another trusted faculty member or administrator in the department.
