Diversity Statement

This statement was written and approved by all members of the Fleming group as of August 14, 2020.

While we focus on scientific research during our time here at UC Berkeley, we of the Fleming group also recognize that we exist within a diverse community and must take certain actions to ensure that there is equal treatment for all and that we act now to combat racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination, especially as that discrimination affects those in science and in academia.

We recognize that racism does not exist only in the past; it is abundant and common in the sciences today. We believe that the underrepresentation of certain groups (people of color, female-identifying people, members of the LGBTQ+ community) in STEM is a problem and one that we as undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, faculty and staff can play a part in fixing.

We also recognize that everyone has unconscious stereotypes and implicit biases. We strive to emphasize and encourage openness and respect in STEM. To ensure equal treatment for all, we will foster a welcoming environment, with faculty offering active encouragement and serving as role models for all students in the group and the department.

For our group’s part, we are committing ourselves to action. While stating our intentions and promises to improve the current biases in the sciences is a first step, we feel that without action these words are hollow.

We promise to stand up for the rights of others, whether it is in our lab space, or outside of that space, i.e. at conferences, in classrooms, etc. We will respectively intercede if we see or hear of any actions that could be construed as discriminatory and/or harmful to any person. We will also work harder to make sure that we are connecting with the community, particularly those underrepresented and/or underserved.

We can and should be more active in connecting with local schools and existing community organizations wherein we can emphasize that anyone can do anything, and that there should be no skin tone, gender, or sexual orientation that would prevent a student from becoming a scientist, engineer, professor, or any other desired career.