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Diversity and Inclusion

Students and staff walk out of the Main Building after a midnight prayer service in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The event also marked the beginning of

Dignity for All

At the University of Notre Dame, we affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Rooted in our Catholic mission to be a force for good, the Department of Biological Sciences is committed to cultivating a community where all individuals are respected, supported, and able to flourish.

We seek to attract and retain exceptional faculty, students, and staff who enrich our intellectual community through a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that honoring the dignity of each person strengthens our academic mission and enhances scientific discovery.

As scientists, we are deeply aware of the interconnectedness found in nature and human communities alike. We are committed to fostering a culture of mutual respect and belonging, where all are encouraged to contribute fully and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Our Commitment

We reject all forms of discrimination and unjust treatment. We are committed to maintaining a departmental culture where no individual is marginalized or made to feel excluded. This includes fostering awareness of how our behaviors and systems impact others and striving to create a learning and working environment where each person is seen, heard, and valued.

As Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., envisioned, Notre Dame is meant to be "one of the most powerful means for doing good in this country." Guided by that founding vision, we strive to build a community that reflects integrity, compassion, and responsibility to one another.

We believe lasting change comes through shared commitment, humility, and collaboration. We support one another in this work.

We Pledge To:

  • Reflect on our own assumptions and foster a culture of awareness and humility

  • Acknowledge the broad range of human experiences and contributions in science

  • Teach and mentor in ways that support the success and well-being of every student

  • Encourage participation in science across all segments of society

  • Promote fairness and respect in our academic and workplace practices

  • Ensure that each member of our department—students, faculty, and staff—feels welcomed and empowered to contribute

By upholding the dignity of all, we strive to be a model of integrity and compassion in science and in society.