Diversity statement
Nothing kills you faster than your lack of commitment to diversity and
inclusion, both of which are fundamentally required for securing a faculty
job. Do not undermine its importance. You may not have much to say, but
better think carefully about what are saying.
Usually, we are all committed to diversity and inclusion. Here are a few
examples you may use as food thought.
1. Mentoring minority students, particularly African American and Hispanic
students. As long as you have interaction with them (i.e. teaching a course
with such students enrolled, working in a lab where such students are
present, attending a workshop with such students…). Be creative and think
carefully about your instances of mentoring and helping those students.
2. If you can hardly think about specific instances, here are things you
must have done.
A. promotes neutral language (i.e. no dirty words) for all people in your
working place. If you need example, google neutral language policy and
familiarize with it as it clearly demonstrates your awareness and commitment
to diversity.
B. Promotes friendly working environment and demonstrates a strong belief
that hostile working environment is against diversity and inclusion. Legally
speaking, hostile working environment is a main cause for discrimination.
All organizations have such policies against hostile working environment and
as such you must have some commitment to it (actively or passively)
C. You must have been exposed to knowledge of social inequity (gender and
racial particularly). For instance, your attendance of numerous orientation
workshops suggests that you have already developed a good sense of diversity
and
inclusion. Make some argument to signal that you know gender and racial
diversity enriches everybody and constitutes a “compelling interest”(
quoted from Supreme Court Cases) that benefits not just minority, but all of
us. The tenet for diversity is that embracing diversity and improving
inclusion, everyone, regardless of gender, race or other demographic
characteristics, can fulfill their greatest potential!
There is a long list of best practices for engaging in diversity. The above
are just starting point, but these should be enough for a diversity
statement. Most importantly, do whatever it takes to show that you are fully
committed, in all forms, during all time periods and with all kinds of
people.
