The Institute for Social Research (ISR) seeks to develop, strengthen, and diversify its research faculty, students, and staff. ISR and its constituent centers have a strong commitment to the diversity of our institution because we recognize that having a diverse organization improves the quality of our scientific research. Diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to study a diverse society. We work to value all participants in the research process, including faculty, students, staff, study participants, and data users. ISR is committed to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive organization so that we can learn from one another to sustain and continually revitalize our research and training activities.

The aim of strengthening and promoting diversity is integral to all aspects of ISR: hiring, training and instruction, and scientific research. We recognize that by promoting diversity we will advance ISR’s mission. Our five-year (2016-2021) strategic plan outlines a framework to address the following priority goals:

• Create an inclusive, welcoming environment with collegial relationships and interactions at all levels
• Adopt best practices to encourage diversity in faculty, staff, and student hiring
• Recruit diverse faculty by creating a pipeline of young scholars who are prepared and interested in working in the intense research and entrepreneurial environment of ISR
• Strengthen faculty and staff through effective mentoring and leadership development
• Recruit diverse students into our training programs

We are committed to implementing the objectives in this plan by integrating these activities into all our operations.

DEI Reports

ISR DEI Strategic Plan Efforts Summary (Accessible PDF)

DEI Impact Report (Canva)

DEI Impact Report (Accessible PDF)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Guiding Principles Statement

June 2018

At the Institute for Social Research, our efforts to conduct and promote social science research are founded on our desire to develop a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization that is reflective of the broad communities we study and serve. To continue our groundbreaking work into the future, embracing the principles described below is critical, and therefore, we are proud to make the following statements:

We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion should be actively cultivated and celebrated at our organization. Our many backgrounds, perspectives, identities, cultures, languages, and orientations shape who we are and what we aim to achieve.

We know that the contributions of our community of diverse people and perspectives are central to our mission to offer the broadest possible range of approaches to addressing global issues. We seek to understand and leverage the insights and experiences that make our stories different. Diversity of thought and background contribute to the production of high quality research and education, meaningful innovation, and a wealth of opportunities in all areas.

We aspire to be an organization that develops individuals who make a positive difference in an increasingly interconnected, multicultural world. As a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization, we are better able to foster an environment in which all members are inspired to excel.

We empower our community to create the conditions of equal opportunity, equal access, and inclusion in which each member has the resources to thrive professionally and personally.

We commit to pursuing deliberate efforts to ensure that our organization is a place where differences are valued, welcomed, & needed, and where perspectives are respectfully heard. We will support these guiding principles in all aspects of our environment including recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining employees. We will hold ourselves accountable, and the organization will take measures to provide the resources to promote success in the strategies of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ISR’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity: We commit to increasing diversity, which is expressed in myriad forms, including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious beliefs and identity, age, disability status, and political perspective.

Equity: We commit to working actively to challenge and respond to bias, harassment, and discrimination. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.

Inclusion: We commit to pursuing deliberate efforts to ensure that our campus is a place where differences are welcomed, different perspectives are respectfully heard, and every individual feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. We know that by building a critical mass of diverse groups on campus and creating a vibrant climate of inclusiveness, we can more effectively leverage our resources to advance our collective capabilities.

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