Historical and ongoing social inequities rooted in racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination result in the continued and widespread exclusion of marginalized groups from academic spaces. At our Center, we strive to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and to create a safe and inclusive community to counter these legacies of discrimination within the ecological and environmental sciences. In particular, the study of biodiversity at a global scale and its application to conservation necessitate diverse contributions and perspectives to ensure that research, data, and tools are representative of and applicable to scientists and conservation practitioners worldwide. 

Traditional practices of scientific inquiry were defined by a select and historically privileged group but are not the only approach, and we believe that science thrives with teams that support diverse perspectives and creativity. We are actively committed to building a team and community where individuals representing a variety of paths to the sciences are brought together to foster a community of learning and collaboration. We hope that our commitments and actions create a more supportive and inspiring environment for individuals and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for our field.