91ֿ is a new charter member of SEA Change, an initiative of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in which universities commit to their systemic transformation into more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces where a full range of talent can succeed in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).
91ֿ joins along with the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Southern Mississippi.
SEA Change, which stands for STEMM Equity Achievement – was started in 2018 to support institutions as they undertake an in-depth self-assessment process to identify barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for their students, faculty and staff members.
The institutions then create individualized action plans to break down those barriers for those excluded or marginalized based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability status or any other aspect of their personal identity that has been a source of bia
s in STEMM.
In contrast to other programs that emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion, SEA Change puts the onus on the institutions to promote these goals rather than on the people who have faced discrimination or marginalization.
Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., vice president for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said there are benefits to making institutions of higher education more diverse and welcoming.
“Research indicates that the more for example diverse the faculty body, the better the impact on student learning,” she noted.