Mission
School of Life Sciences DEI task force works across our school, Arizona State University and national networks to develop an inclusive and thriving community that reflects the sociodemographic diversity of our state and nation. The SOLS DEI task force works to ensure that human diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to decision-making, resource allocation, policies, and practices in support of our academic mission.
About the initiative
In 2020, SOLS students, faculty, and staff worked together to establish the SOLS DEI Initiative, which included appointing a Special Advisor of DEI to the Director and the development of the SOLS DEI Committee. This work was prompted by the death of George Floyd, and the racial reckong that racial violence and discrimination are deeply embedded into our institutions and daily lives. These efforts aspire to transform our institutional structures and culture to one that better supports ASU’s Charter, and fosters inclusion across our SOLS community.
Acknowledging that this work continues on a daily basis and requires a strong and collaborative commitment from all individuals with the SOLS community. The SOLS DEI Initiative is guided by the following questions:
Since the formation of the SOLS DEI Committee in the Fall of 2020, the Committee has worked to understand the range, scope, and depth of DEI needs and opportunities within the SOLS community, with respect to research, teaching, training, resources, and community belonging.
Throughout 2020-2022 the committee held listening sessions, discussed DEI issues both formally and informally with members of the SOLS community, and with a broader network of ASU stakeholders.
Based on these discussions, the DEI Committee outlined a set of three strategic goals:
Meet the task force
In the Fall of 2022 Nancy Grimm, Regents Professor; Virginia M. Ullman Professor of Ecology; and Distinguished Sustainability Scientist was appointed as Special Advisor to the Director for DEI.
In December 2022 the SOLS DEI committee was reconfigured into a task force comprising 13 members, which include staff, faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. Each task force member will serve a two-year term.
Special Advisor to the Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Meet the task force members
Members 2022
- Austin Blackmon
- Sara Brownell
- Adrian Fisher
- Sharon Hall
- Yize Li
- Kate MacCord
- Maneesha Muralinath
- Janet Neisewander
- Mehreen Tahir
- Arvind Varsani
Members 2021
- Gro Amdam
- Sara Brownell
- Nde Bassin Jobe
- Joshua Caulkins
- Kelle Dhein
- Laureano Gherardi Arbizu
- Sharon Hall
- Kate MacCord
- John McCutcheon
- Janet Neisewander
- Arvind Varsani
Resources
Centers, initiatives and programs
Stay tuned to learn more about how to get involved in JEDI programs and initiatives across the School of Life Sciences and ASU, including training programs, inclusive teaching fellowships, and national research opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Save the date for the JEDI/HMMI retreat, coming up on April 9 and 23! We also hope you’ll join us for listening sessions, discussions, and seminars. Full list coming soon!
Additional resources
We’ve compiling a set of resources for additional learning, perspective, support and involvement - both in and outside the ASU community. We will continue to update our spreadsheet, so continue to check back for latest book recommendations, article links and more!