Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential values of Michigan State University and the College of Natural Science (NatSci). The college is committed to creating a supportive and welcoming environment where all students and employees can pursue personal growth and academic and professional success.

On this site, you will find information, announcements, opportunities, and resources that promote and support diversity and inclusivity within our community. Please browse our site using the drop down categories above or the links provided in the copy to learn more or to find out how you can get involved in NatSci DEI efforts.

The “About” section includes a background on the evolution of intentional DEI efforts in NatSci over the past decade; DEI definitions (see below) that the NatSci Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council (DEIAC) created  to provide a terminology guidance for college actions, efforts and activities; and a directory of DEI college contacts and DEIAC members.

If you have a program or an event that you would like to promote on the NatSci Diversity website or questions about about NatSci diversity and inclusion initiatives, please contact: NatSci.DEI@msu.edu.

NatSci Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Definitions  

Diversity  

Definition: The presence of individuals with differences within a given community, that include age, color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), genetic information, disability status, ethnicity, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation), military or veteran status, or weight. Read the MSU’s Anti-Discrimination Policy. 

Interpreting the Definition: A person does not represent diversity. However, our collective life experiences can bring diversity to a group that extends beyond the status quo (or the boundaries of traditional grass-roots diversity). Diversity is about a collective or a group.  

We commit to increasing and sustaining a diverse community, where people’s backgrounds and social identities are represented and valued within our students, employees, and others within the College of Natural Science. Social Identities can include, but are not limited to race, ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability status and national origin.  

Equity  

Definition: Equitable practices consist of structures used to reconcile prior challenges in accessing opportunities and available resources needed to meet their goals.  

Interpreting the Definition: Equity is a process that recognizes that not everyone has access to the same resources because advantages and barriers exist that are driven by, for example, varying socioeconomic factors, ideologies and perceptions. Equitable practices work to correct these imbalances to ensure everyone has access to opportunities and resources. According to the Race Matters Institute, equity is a process, and equality is an outcome of that process: “The route to achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone equitably, or justly according to their circumstances.”  

We commit to understanding and utilizing practices that ensure members of our college have access to opportunities and resources needed to meet their academic and professional goals. By adopting equity-based practices, we will identify and strive to eliminate policies, practices, attitudes, and cultural messages that reinforce achievement barriers.  

Inclusion  

Definition: People of all identities in a community are visibly and deliberately welcomed, engaged, and celebrated, with full and authentic participation within a given setting.  

Interpreting the Definition: Inclusion is not a natural consequence of diversity or equity. You can have a diverse team of talent, but that doesn’t mean they all feel welcomed or valued or are given opportunities to grow. Inclusion is a communal effort. An analogy from Vernā Myers is: “Diversity is being asked to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.”  

We commit to fostering an environment where our students, and employees, and others within the College of Natural Science community are engaged, valued, respected and have a sense of belonging. Our community will thrive when members are able to participate in relevant decision-making, raise concerns without retaliation and have their concerns addressed.