Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission Statement

Who We Are

We are a team of faculty and graduate students working to increase diversity and advance a climate of equity and inclusion in the political science community and the broader university. We advocate for marginalized groups and identities who too often bear the burdens of a society and institutions that overlook, neglect, and silence their voices and presence. We are committed to implementing with the highest standards the best practices to permanently reshape culture so that all students may equally access a rich intellectual and communal experience in the Department of Political Science. Our goal as a committee is to create a space where unquestioned norms are challenged, perspectives are broadened, words become actions, and differences are embraced. As members of the political science community, it is of the utmost importance that we champion diverse ideas, voices, and research that accurately reflect the community we represent.

What We Believe In: Values and Mission

The Department of Political Science at The Ohio State University aspires to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Our department is home to people of all races and classes, religions and cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, nationalities and immigration statuses, military or protected veteran statuses, and abilities and needs. Racism, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, ableism, and all other forms of hate will not be tolerated.

We are aware of the historical and current power structure that certain dominant groups, such as white, cisgender men, have traditionally maintained in the discipline of political science, public office, politics, and policy. For this reason, we believe in promoting engaged pluralism, increasing the diversity of the methods and methodologies, and the substance of our research as well as the composition of our faculty, staff, and student body and supporting an inclusive and equitable environment remains a top priority for the Department moving forward.

Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

We have worked on best practices for allyship, hiring, classroom discussion, and mentoring at all levels. We regularly distribute informational and educational resources. We have organized and participated in trainings regarding awareness of biases and best practices for supporting marginalized groups. The DEI committee is also committed to regularly surveying and checking in with the department to assess our culture. We facilitate discussion on all topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the goal of always improving ourselves and the department.

These are your classrooms; this is your university. You should feel welcome and safe here. We recognize that our aspirations are never perfectly realized, so if there is anything we can do to make our department more welcoming and accessible, please do not hesitate to let us know. We encourage everyone to share their ideas, be open to learning and understanding, and engage in meaningful discussion surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.