Diversity is representation of the full spectrum of individual, cultural, socioeconomic, and regional positionalities. It recognizes varied perspectives and ways of knowing that contribute to a richer understanding of complex environmental issues. This representation occurs within our scholarship, teaching, and service.

Equity involves the intentional, fair, and just allocation of resources, opportunities, and support to enable equal opportunities for all community members.

Inclusion involves incorporating and valuing the contributions of diversity in our work, community collaborations, and partnerships.

Belonging involves conscientiously cultivating a supportive, receptive, inclusive environment for all cultural and socioeconomic affiliations and identities.

At the Gund Institute, we have a committee focused on DEIB issues. Why? 

A diverse and inclusive institute will enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of our work, ensure our solutions represent those most affected by environmental challenges, address environmental injustice, diversify the environmental leadership of the future, and train leaders to operate in diverse teams and environments.

The mission of the Gund Institute’s DEIB Committee is to strengthen research through authentic engagement across diverse identities of researchers, educators, and collaborators. We aim to build a cohesive community characterized by trust, respect, and thoughtfulness. We value active learning, participation, inclusivity, humility, curiosity, and self-reflection. Recognizing that traditional power asymmetries need to be challenged, this voluntary committee—composed of students, postdocs, faculty, and staff—creates opportunities for community feedback and centers diversity and inclusion in Gund programming, operations, and collaborations.

We invite feedback and discussion from the wider community. The current DEIB committee is listed on this webpage. If you have issues you would like to raise with the committee, please contact the faculty co-chairs (or anyone else on the committee you feel more comfortable contacting).

Goals for Diversity and Inclusion

The Gund Institute's goals to advance DEIB include those listed below. The DEIB committee provides guidance, encouragement, and monitoring to support these goals.

1. Invest in research, outreach, and people that (who) contribute to DEIB.
2. Encourage and support Gund researchers to address DEIB in the content and the process of their research. This includes procedural elements (e.g., who is involved in which stages of the research process) and intellectual diversity elements (e.g., what philosophical foundations underlie research approaches).
3. Expand DEIB training to equip our community with the awareness, tools, and frameworks for inclusive engagement.
4. Amplify voices of diverse scholars, students, and community members through Gund events, communications, and other practices.
5. Emphasize diverse backgrounds and voices in our recruiting.
6. Challenge dominant institutional structures when they impede DEIB and advocate for reform when needed.

Diversity and inclusion are a UVM strategic priority and central to Our Common Ground values. Learn more at Diversity and Inclusion at UVM.