As a community, we recognize that we comprise a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students, and we embrace and value the diversity of our members. We promote respect for all community members regardless of age, culture, disabilities, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, citizenship, race, religion, sexual orientation, first-generation status, and socioeconomic status—as well as other dimensions of difference not explicitly covered in this list. We strive to maintain inclusive and equitable departmental policies, practices, programs, classrooms, and interactions. We aim to provide a supportive intellectual community that welcomes multiple perspectives and experiences; honors our multifaceted identities; views diversity as a strength and a resource; and achieves equity in resources, opportunities, and outcomes. We take action, and identity and implement initiatives and programs that support these goals.

The following principles support our commitment to diversity and inclusion:

• We respect and affirm the dignity of each member of our community.
• We assume good faith in our efforts, even when those efforts fall short of our aspirations.
• We recognize that inequalities are produced and reinforced in both conscious and unconscious ways.
• We encourage recognition and discussion of inequalities in departmental policies and practices.
• We promote dialogue about how best to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and service.
• We review our progress regularly and offer opportunities for ongoing education and reflection on our progress.
• We continually challenge ourselves, and others, to foster an environment in which all members can thrive personally, intellectually, and academically.

These principles are consistent with Indiana University’s commitment to ensuring a safe, civil, and welcoming community. Indiana University’s Principles of Ethical Conduct affirm the institution’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, and respect for differences. These principles also guide us as we fulfill the specific responsibilities identified in the American Sociological Association Code of Ethics (see below).

As a department, we reject all behaviors that marginalize individuals or groups. In particular, we reject all forms of discrimination, harassment, and bullying including threatening, humiliating, coercive, or intimidating conduct and microaggressions that cause harm to, interfere with, or sabotage scientific activity, careers, and individual well-being. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, and microaggressions create a hostile environment that marginalizes individuals and communities. These behaviors prevent the healthy exchange of ideas, and damage productivity and career advancement. Furthermore, these behaviors diminish perceptions of personal safety, threaten psychological well-being, and negatively affect the health of members of our community. Adhering to our departmental principles is especially important in relationships characterized by power differences, such as between faculty and students, graduate students and undergraduates, and faculty and staff, but these principles also apply to peer-to-peer relationships.

We review our diversity, equity, and inclusion statement and action plan regularly to refine our goals and to identify additional steps we can take to promote a more diverse and welcoming community.

July 2020