Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Lab statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

As a lab and academic community, we acknowledge that academic science suffers from a lack of diversity, equity and inclusion. We acknowledge that institutionalized discrimination – based on race, gender, disability, age and socioeconomic status, among other identities – persists in the fields of immunology and cancer biology. We recognize the inherent value of diversity and are committed to fostering diversity within our work by cultivating an antiracist and equity-minded lab culture.

We acknowledge that our offices and laboratories are located on the ancestral and unceded traditional territories of the Monacan Peoples. We acknowledge this not only in thanks to the Indigenous communities who have held relationship with this land for generations but also in recognition of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonialism. Additionally, we acknowledge this as a point of reflection for us all as we work towards dismantling colonial practices. We also acknowledge that the University of Virginia was built by enslaved laborers, and enslaved and free Black people provided the labor and capital that supported the students and faculty through the Civil War.

As a lab, we will craft a statement of our core values and goals on inclusion, and we will revisit it regularly. We acknowledge that we will all make mistakes. We will learn from our mistakes and take action to correct ourselves.

The Anderson and Taylor Labs are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive, regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, citizenship status, nationality, language, and education. We continually strive to promote equity and a sense of belonging in scientific research, maintain a respectful lab environment, communicate our findings transparently, and engage in ethical research practices.

UVA Code of Ethics and Mission Statement: http://www.virginia.edu/statementofpurpose
UVA Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights: https://eocr.virginia.edu/
ADA Coordinator: https://eocr.virginia.edu/ada-coordinator
Accessibility at UVA: https://accessibility.virginia.edu/
Title IX: https://eocr.virginia.edu/title-ix
UVA Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center: https://womenscenter.virginia.edu/
UVA LGBTQ Center: https://studentaffairs.virginia.edu/subsite/lgbtq
UVA Resources: http://staffsenate.virginia.edu/resources
UVA Benefits and Wellness Resources: https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits and https://www.training.nih.gov/wellbeing/