SOLIDARITY STATEMENT
The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) recognizes that systemic discrimination has created disproportionate and often unspoken barriers to access and resources that have historically impacted individuals in myriad ways because of their identity or background. We recognize that many in our community have experienced bias and discrimination, both interpersonal and systemic. These barriers also have deep roots in academia and in science and have often prevented impacted individuals from reaching our doors. We acknowledge our responsibility to all of our colleagues – staff, students, postdocs and faculty alike – to provide a safe, supportive, respectful, and actively welcoming environment, and to amplify their voices. We also recognize the undeniable persistence of discrimination in healthcare and its catastrophic effects. As a basic science research department within a medical school, we have a unique perspective. Our laboratories participate in a wide range of basic science research, training bench scientists as well as clinicians who will provide direct patient care. Thus, we have an essential responsibility in preparing our trainees and colleagues to spread their influence and lead Penn, the scientific community, and the world. We aim to provide structure and education to empower everyone who passes through our department and to create equal opportunity for all.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the CDB Community and Wellness Committee is to foster a department that embraces all members of our community and provides equitable access to everyone, including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, physical and neurocognitive abilities, and religions. We aim to improve understanding of our implicit and explicit biases that can result in discrimination within our department. Through creating educational opportunities, hosting community building events, and evaluating our departmental climate, we aim to proactively remove barriers and create educational and professional opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
CORE VALUES
Our members pledge to pursue our Mission in a manner consistent with our committee’s core values:
Honesty – Addressing inequities in our department requires awareness of discriminatory practices, regardless of the cause or impacted group, as well as mitigating and avoiding such tendencies that may negatively impact our community and the pursuit of science. We pledge to evaluate our current environment with open eyes and seek to understand the lived experiences of all Department members, grounding our deliberations in data wherever possible.
Respect – We pledge to treat everyone as individuals who deserve the full measure of regard for their inherent value regardless of their identity or role in the Department. We will assume good faith in all discussions and treat all thoughts shared with our committee as genuine attempts at constructive discussion.
Transparency – We will be open about our processes, findings, and recommendations while observing due discretion for sensitive personal disclosures. All Department members are welcome to engage the Committee and receive an accurate account of our work.
Creativity– Science is a creative endeavor, and our committee will bring that same approach to our work. We will find novel solutions where necessary and encourage thoughtful, open inquiry into the best means to reach our goals of fair and equal opportunity for all.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Santosh Adhikari
- Juan Alvarez
- Leah Duff
- Dan Kessler (Chair)
- Chris Krapp
- Mustafa Mir
- Apratim Mukherjee
- Doerte Smith
- Samuel Suffrard
- Lauren Lavelle