Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Diversity is a key element to the success of every organization and the tech community. Freedom of thought and the open exchange of ideas are key to an effective learning environment. That kind of exchange can happen only in an environment that recognizes the value of each person and fosters mutual respect. Rob Edwards and members of the Edwards Lab are committed to increasing and fostering a diverse community of colleagues.

Code of Conduct

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, skin color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, health (physical or mental), genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, veteran status, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, appearance, body size, computing experience, or clothing. Consider that calling attention to differences can feel alienating.

We do not tolerate harassment in any form towards any person. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to the classes above, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, photography or audio/video recording against reasonable consent, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention (even without sexual contact). Harassment does not need to be recognized as unwanted or unwelcome by anyone other than the person being harassed. Be careful in the words that you choose. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Offensive jokes are not appropriate and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please immediately contact Dr. Rob Edwards

Equity

Inclusion and equity are not synonyms. Inclusion is just one part of equity, and to be equitable Rob and members of his lab strive to provide empowerment, agency, access, and respect.

  • Inclusion – Everyone is welcome in the lab. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and everyone contributes to every project.
  • Empowerment – As you work and study in the lab we want you to become more confident in your abilities and to grow as a person
  • Agency – we will enable you to make your own choices and to relish the successes that result from those choices
  • Access – we will be there to support you when you need us
  • Respect – we accept you for who you are

If you feel any of these are lacking, you should immediately talk to Rob or one of his supervisors.

Harassment Policy

Harassment of any kind is not acceptable behavior. We are committed to creating an environment in which every individual can work, study, and live without being harassed.

Harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, skin color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, health (physical or mental), genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, veteran status, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, appearance, body size, computing experience, or clothing. It includes harassment of an individual in terms of a stereotyped group characteristic, or because of that person’s identification with a particular group.

Sexual harassment may take many forms. Sexual assault and requests for sexual favors that affect educational or employment decisions constitute sexual harassment. However, sexual harassment may also consist of unwanted physical contact, requests for sexual favors, visual displays of degrading sexual images, sexually suggestive conduct, or offensive remarks of a sexual nature.

We are committed under this policy to stopping harassment and associated retaliatory behavior.

Anyone who feels harassed is encouraged to seek assistance from Rob or his supervisors.

About

This Code of Conduct was adapted from the Make School Code of Conduct, which in turn was adapted from Hack Code of Conduct which was inspired by the Conference Code of Conduct. The harassment policy has been adapted from MIT’s Harassment Policy.

Licensed under Creative Commons 4.0 (Attribution, Share Alike).