Generated: Oct. 2020
Modified from the Humphries Lab Code of Conduct
Equity & inclusion: The goal of science is to be objective and unbiased; however, much of our scientific knowledge today is based on a small subset of privileged voices. In order to have a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the world around us, we must integrate and embrace diverse sets of voices and research being carried out by diverse people. I welcome suggestions, anonymous or otherwise, on ways to improve the lab culture and to make it less biased, and to better identify biases in the research material that we discuss.
The Meyer Lab will strive to foster an equal and inclusive culture by:
- Discussing and reflecting on experiences and perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds (25% of lab meetings) and the opportunity to open a dialogue among the group, at any time, on important current events that go against our lab’s values and principles.
- Using our individual privileges to support and defend minority voices in our community.
- Using our privilege of being a part of an academic institute to increase awareness of and create initiative against systemic racism and bigotry within the scientific community and academia as a whole.
The Meyer lab at Clark University strives to facilitate a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives and experiences, and honors everyone’s identities. As the PI, I will try to maintain a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origins, gender identity, sexual identity and orientation, socio economic and military status, religion, age, body size, ability, level of experience, and education.
To help maintain a harassment-free experience for everyone and to foster an open, welcoming, and inclusive community, please adhere to the following code of conduct:
- Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. If you feel you or another is experiencing harassment or bias at any time, please fill out a Bias Incident Report (more information here). You can also inform me.
- Everyone’s perspective is valuable and should be listened to equally and respectfully. Discussions are encouraged, but they should adhere to considerate language. Respect others’ right to hold opinions and beliefs other than your own. If you feel the need to disagree, do so respectfully and acknowledge the valid points in your labmate’s argument. Challenge or criticize ideas, not people.
Research Group Culture
- Communication: All members of the laboratory should talk either to other members or the PI if necessary about troubleshooting their own experiments or common equipment used in the laboratory. Any issues regarding discrimination and harrassment in the lab environment should be addressed as explained above and communicated to the PI. Communication with other lab members should be horizontal regardless of levels of experience in science and the field.
- Collaboration: Linked to communication, all members should be eager to assist other members or find the right assistance if available about troubleshooting experiments and use of common equipment (microscopes, PCR machine, centrifuges, etc.). The lab also promotes collaboration with other lab groups in the Biology Department and research groups in other institutions.
- Acknowledgement: Contribution to work (published or not) needs to be acknowledged in both formal and informal settings. Data/support coming from other lab members must be recognized as it promotes stronger professional links in the lab.
- Inclusion: The difference in backgrounds among lab members should be acknowledged and celebrated, as it makes the lab environment diverse and unique. This includes respecting how people may choose to dress (keeping safety requirements in mind). .Equity: Differences in expertise in the field and socioeconomic factors should not translate into any type of prejudice towards members of the lab. Existing bias should be identified and addressed, as all members contribute equally to the laboratory and should be treated as such. Achievements of all members should be equally praised, given that all are equally important for the success of the laboratory and research.
- Anti-racism and social awareness: Racism still influences society and affects science at different levels. It needs to be recognized as such and action should be actively executed against it. The laboratory promotes social awareness, and recognizes the existence of different types of prejudices towards minorities, and is actively against it.