Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
People pass through our doors because of mathematics. At its best the place they find on the other side can be one that offers growth in the experience of mathematics to all of those who are curious and wonder. It can be an invitation to join the community of mathematicians, and to participate in the extraordinary intellectual range of the subject.
In reality we don’t always achieve this ideal, and sometimes there are those among us who do not feel welcome. To these people, to ourselves, and to everyone passing through our doors we offer this. We are committed to fostering a community that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, and to which anyone with a connection to mathematics can feel they belong. We are committed to challenging ourselves to learn of the ways we fall short of this aspiration, and to work creatively and hard to do better. We are committed to increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities in all parts of our community.
Michael Hopkins
George Putnam Professor and Chair Department of Mathematics
Departmental Goals
After reflecting on the results of the Math Department Climate Survey and the notes from our previous town hall, we have extracted the following list of proposed departmental goals. We have also collected a list of proposed strategies for reaching these goals, which we hope to refine, organize, and from there turn to action. The formulation of these goals and adoption of specific strategies is an ever-evolving process which we hope you will be involved in! Please reach out via the feedback form or attend a town hall if you have any thoughts at all about these topics.
Diversity
Increase the representation of those with marginalized identities in all areas of our department. In particular hire, admit, and make space for more people of color, black and indigenous people, those who identify as LGBTQIA+, women, non-binary people, people with disabilities, people from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, first-generation students, and any other identities underrepresented in mathematics.
Equity
Identify and remove structural and cultural mechanisms that perpetuate systemic oppression in our department. Build support systems and resources to ensure opportunities, well-being, and success are available to all.
Connection
Create a welcoming and collaborative mathematical community in which all can feel they belong. Ensure that all members of our community have people they can socialize, work, and learn with, in addition to trusted mentors who can provide support and advice.
Recognition and Value
Identify and push back against the ways in which a discriminatory evaluation of mathematical ability is created and reinforced. Work toward building a community predicated on the recognition that mathematics harbors a diverse ecosystem of experiences and interests, all of which are valuable.
Transparency and Accountability
Find ways in which the department can be more transparent in decision-making, measure progress towards realizing the goals expressed here, and seek feedback from all members of the community.