Example for BPRI Members
The BPRI seeks integration through collaboration. The BPRI recognizes that the scientific and societal impacts of this approach increase when people of different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities come together to work towards shared goals and the common good. Rich diversity across our intellectual disciplines will promote creativity and collaboration that can only be accomplished through a wide breadth of perspectives.
To that end, the following principles and values guide our lab community:
1. Interdisciplinarity
- We leverage the theoretical and conceptual frameworks, methodologies, and tools of a variety of disciplinary backgrounds; we are sharpened by the rigor of each discipline.
- We seek a holistic approach to our science, relying on our diverse perspectives and voices.
2. Empowerment and Agency
- Innovation demands that each member be willing to contribute new perspectives to our conversations and scientific approaches; we strive for an environment where everyone believes that their voice is valued.
- We recognize that perceived and real power differs considerably among different groups (e.g., historically marginalized, or oppressed peoples); we seek to create agency among and empower all members.
3. Mutual Concern and Respect
- The physical, mental, and emotional health of members is of utmost importance; we recognize that a supportive and healthy climate is everyone’s responsibility.
- Bystander intervention is a moral and ethical obligation when others are experiencing aggression, harassment, or other dangerous behaviors.
4. Diversity and Inclusion
- A diverse and inclusive environment is central to our philosophy and our success. We demand a safe space for individuals from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- We seek to make all members feel welcome in our environment regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, socioeconomic background, education level, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability level, religion, veteran status, nationality, and intellectual perspective, among others.
To ensure that we are making progress toward the guiding principles above, we commit to the following goals or outcomes, for example:
- Regularly scheduled team meetings to brainstorm lab methods and projects.
- Individual meetings with the lab mentor(s) and mentees.
- Creating communication and reporting protocols for any lab member who believes they are experiencing aggression or harassment.
- Scheduling team-building activities for all members.
- Scheduling additional trainings (e.g., bystander intervention training, DEI training, mentorship training).
- Celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures through observance of important holidays from member cultures (e.g., Diwali, Lunar New Year, Kwanzaa, Rosh Hashanah, Día de Los Muertos, Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan).