Equity and Social Justice
W&M Geology's Commitment to Anti-Racism
Within the sciences, the impacts of racism have limited the representation of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other marginalized communities. Geoscience can address the negative consequences of climate change and pollution, which disproportionately affect communities of color. Yet geology is among the least diverse STEM fields in the United States.
W&M Geology has embraced W&M Geology Principles of Community affirming that “diversity and inclusion are critical to maintaining excellence.” To uphold these principles, we must confront racism in our institutions and in ourselves.
We seek to partner with and amplify the voices of marginalized groups in our community. We aim to listen to and support students, alumni, and geoscientists of color. We actively recruit faculty of color. We work to ensure a diverse set of speakers for department seminars. We address issues such as environmental racism and highlight scientists of color within the Geology curriculum, including a COLL 350 course centered on difference, equity, and justice.
W&M Geology Student Climate Survey-- Results
W&M Geology Principles of Community
