Our laboratory is committed to fostering a community that is diverse in perspectives and with respect to identities related to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ableness, socioeconomic backgrounds, and other aspects of personal identity. We know that a diverse environment enhances our abilities to innovate in our research endeavors, and that it provides a valuable range of lenses through which we can critically analyze our research methods and findings.

Our focal discipline – human evolutionary biology – lies at the intersection of scientific fields that have histories of perpetuating scientific racism. We know through the study of human biology and human variation that race is not a valid biological concept. Nevertheless, our discipline has historically used false and invalid science to establish and maintain racist systems of colonialism and oppression (read more here). Our laboratory seeks to counter the harmful historical impacts of our discipline through research approaches that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion. These approaches include but are not limited to:

• Understanding the historical context of our discipline and evaluating research through an antiracist lens in all laboratory journal club discussions

• Critically evaluating all laboratory and field research approaches from an antiracist perspective, and continually amending those approaches as needed

• Emphasizing the laboratory as a space for mutual learning and accountability, and not a hierarchy of power

• Evaluating prospective students on the totality of their experiences and interests, rather than solely based on GPA or test scores

As lab director, I value feedback on how these practices can be improved, and I seek the input of my students in the formation of all lab policies.