Equity & Diversity

Philosophy

The University of Minnesota is founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Purpose

In all of its activities, the University strives to sustain an open exchange of ideas in an environment that embodies the values of academic freedom, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation; that provides an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and intolerance; that assists individuals, institutions, and communities in responding to a continuously changing world; that is conscious of and responsive to the needs of the many communities it is committed to serving; that creates and supports partnerships within the University, with other educational systems and institutions, and with communities to achieve common goals; and that inspires, sets high expectations for, and empowers the individuals within its community.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota strives to be inclusive of diverse talents and capabilities, and provide an equitable environment for all students, staff, faculty, trainees, interns, and other associates. As world boundaries are becoming more permeable, providing greater opportunities for people to intermingle and share, it is vital to continue to strengthen our community-building. A diverse professional body provides opportunities to learn and grow from multiple views and perspectives. Diversity is an indispensable asset ensuring inclusiveness, and promoting and preserving friendship, trust, understanding, and prosperity. By extension, a culture that promotes these values enhances broader learning, teaching, research, and communication opportunities.

Our department is a professional organization and understands diversity as the condition of having and being composed of differing elements, including but not limited to age, origin, ethnicity, gender identity, apparent and non-apparent disability, social status, nationality, sexual orientation, political opinion, religious affiliation, and economic background. We will not tolerate discrimination on any grounds and strive to promote inclusiveness through accommodation and cooperation.

Our department steadfastly believes in diversity and its inclusion in our principles of equality. In our commitment to diversity, we do not discriminate against merit but utilize equitable measures until equality is achieved. We understand the need for equity regarding under-represented groups such as but not limited to people of color, new immigrants, women, people with various gender and sexual identities and expressions, people with a visible and invisible disability, and first-generation graduates from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds.

We perceive inclusive behavior to involve active engagement with diversity in scholarly and co-curricular pursuits, and helping people break barriers caused by differences to facilitate stronger humanity. Our department assures mechanisms for feedback and continued improvements to resolve any obstacles towards this commitment and will continue to foster an environment of mutual respect and trust.