Guiding Principles of GGHA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Resources

For opportunities to learn more, find funding, and connect with other folks dedicated to upholding these principles, see the resources in this Google Drive folder.

What do Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mean?

Diversity

refers to the representation of people from a range of different backgrounds and identities such as ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, abilities and disabilities, religious beliefs, etc. Diversity provides a variety of perspectives and experiences which enables more robust scientific collaborations.

Social equity

means that the unique needs of different individuals are met in order to ensure access to the same opportunities and privileges as others. Equity refers to the process of creating fairness. Equitable practices provide individualized solutions to address specific imbalances to ensure each person receives the resources needed to function fully.

Inclusion

means that all people have the right to be respected and appreciated as valuable members of their communities regardless of their identities or backgrounds. Inclusion is an organizational practice that creates a culture of belonging and support that leads to high morale and healthy group functioning.

Guiding Principles

GGHA members and leadership recognize that an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for a healthy and productive working environment for students, faculty, and staff associated with our program. Advocating for these values is an active process and can be done at many levels: in the lab, field, classroom, meetings, etc. Reflection, self-assessment, and integrating feedback are iterative processes that will strengthen our DEI efforts over time.

Acknowledging that enacting these values will always be a work in progress, we strive to ensure the following principles guide our activities:

Promoting collaboration in research, learning, mentorship, and outreach
Improving diversity, equity and inclusion in our activities
Acknowledging our own biases and how we can work to break them down
Encouraging mutual respect of different opinions
Creating a welcoming climate of acceptance and safety
Understanding that everyone has something to offer and everyone’s circumstances are different
Actively sharing resources and support

As such, the Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group operates under the UC Davis Principles of Community.

Recommended Resources for GGHA students

For opportunities to learn more, find funding, and connect with other folks dedicated to upholding these principles, see all the resources in this Google Drive folder.

GGHA Committees: DEI Committee, Curriculum Committee, Executive Committee

Plant Sciences Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

For further definitions of terms: “Inclusive Excellence and Definitions,” a short description of terms by the University of Nebraska https://diversity.unl.edu/inclusive-excellence-and-definitions

From the UC Davis Office of DEI: “Being an ally requires being an anti-racist” https://diversity.ucdavis.edu/being-ally-requires-being-anti-racist