DEI Commitments
The Department of Neurobiology University of Maryland School of Medicine
For far too long many of us have sat on our pinnacle of academic privilege, doing little to actively address the inequities, in academic science, in the representation and success of those of us who are neither Caucasian nor male. Starting now, we will actively correct this by learning that implicit biases and microaggressions are common and pernicious forms of racism and sexism. And that we are often unaware that we are participating in these transgressions. 
We will recruit trainees and faculty members that are underrepresented in our department. We will create a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters, mentors and promotes these recruits, so that they are as successful as we are.
We will continue to support the mission of our Science Training for Advancing Biomedical Research Postbaccalaureate Program. We will continue to support our UMB CURE program. We will be better contributors to our Meyerhoff Scholars Program. We will expand our participation in programs with public schools in our neighborhood, and in colleges and universities in our area, that champion successful programs such as the Bridges and ASCEND programs. And we will learn from the leaders of these programs how to increase diversity among future leaders in science.
We will significantly expand the diversity of speakers in our conferences and seminar series. We will consider active participation in these activities an important factor in promotion, tenure, and retention decisions. We will take ownership of this commitment, and we will not assign it to those who have been marginalized by our previous inactions.
We have pledged to educate ourselves about racial justice and systemic discrimination against marginalized communities and to understand the impacts of colonialism on the people indigenous to the land occupied by the University of Maryland, Baltimore where we operate. Current and future scientists from marginalized communities face many obstacles. We recognize and pledge to dismantle structures of power that prevent or impede success of those underrepresented in the sciences. Through education and leadership, we:
1) Promote discussion of the impacts of neuroracism
2) Consider the effects of our research and experimental choices on marginalized communities
3) Consider the value of trauma-informed approaches in research and medicine. Learn more about our pledge here
RECOGNITION OF UNCEDED LANDS & ACTION PLAN
Our labs in the city of Baltimore operates on the ancestral lands of Iroquoian-speaking Susquehannock peoples and Algonquian-speaking peoples of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and Indian Nation, all of whom shared this area long before and throughout the violent invasion, land-theft, forced removal and oppression by white, colonialist settlers. We acknowledge that Indigenous peoples of the past, present, and future are the rightful and traditional protectors and caretakers of their native lands. Our Department of Neurobiology takes action to support Baltimore’s Indigenous descendants who are living, working, and promoting the advancement of its peoples and protection of its culture, traditions, and identity. Learn more here.
We Will:
- Highlight local Indigenous tribes and organizations in our departmental seminar series
- Provide educational resources about indigenous tribes and organizations via departmental email
- Provide links to donate time or money in support of efforts by Indigenous tribes and organizations.
Native American LifeLines’ mission is to promote health and social resiliency within Urban American Indian communities in Baltimore.To donate time or money scan QR code or visit: https://nativeamericanlifelines.org/#
RECOGNITION OF SOCIAL INJUSTICE & ACTION PLAN
The city of Baltimore sits on the historically agricultural lands on which enslaved Africans were involuntarily brought to work in the ship building and railroad industries. The slave trade operating from Baltimore’s ports contributed to twice as many enslaved than free people of color in the late 1700s. Since slavery in Maryland was abolished in 1864, the descendants of free and enslaved Black Americans living in Baltimore have been fighting for civil rights and equitable access to economic and educational opportunities. Our department leads efforts to take action to support community organizations providing services and opportunities for Black Americans and POC in Baltimore.
We will:
- Highlight local organizations supporting Black Americans and POC living in Baltimore (in our departmental seminar series)
- Provide links to donate time or money in support of community organizations providing services and opportunities for Black Americans and POC in Baltimore (see examples to the right/bottom for mobile), shared in seminar and/or via email.
Roca’s mission is to be a relentless force in disrupting incarceration, poverty, and racism by engaging the young adults, police, and systems at the center of urban violence to address trauma, find hope, and drive change in Baltimore To donate time or money scan QR code or visit: https://rocainc.org/join-us/ways-to-give/
We recognize these statements and action plans are first steps and are open to feedback on improving statements and action plans.
MORE INFORMATION & TOPICS:
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion