Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Rockefeller

Welcome to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at The Rockefeller University. As the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer, it is an honor and privilege to collaborate with a campus community that seeks to build and grow an authentic culture that provides a sense of belonging for all.

Like many other institutions, we are working to change conversations and behaviors as we recognize that to be a more inclusive community, we need to broaden our understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through education, collaboration, and fellowship. We are committed to moving the needle in the right direction to provide a more diverse and inclusive environment that inspires greater thinking in order to advance scientific breakthroughs.

As we navigate this journey, we will assume a listening posture and work to translate conversations into actions so that diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into the fiber of the world’s leading biomedical research university. At The Rockefeller University, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion benefit our mission to advance the best and brightest scientists the world has to offer.

Ashton Murray, Ph.D.
Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mission:

To foster a community and culture where everyone has a sense of belonging and is able to advance their scientific learning and potential in a space that welcomes diversity and values the richness of various backgrounds, races, cultures, experiences, beliefs, and values

Vision:

We envision a community of belonging where all people are included, respected, valued, and supported as they pursue scientific discovery.

How we see DEI:

Embracing the richness and value of diversity in all its forms, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, life experiences, and beliefs is what inspires greater thinking and advancements in science.

Creating and implementing policies and procedures across our scientific community that place equity at its core provides for equal and fair access to resources and opportunities for all.

Nurturing an inclusive culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is given the opportunity to participate, contribute, and excel without the barrier of discrimination and intolerance is key to advancing the best and brightest scientists the world has to offer.

To embrace and honor a diversity of lived experiences, it is critical that we all listen with an open mind. We do this in order to translate those conversations into collective actions that lead to outcomes built on the core of our longstanding mission, which is to benefit humanity. Our understanding of humanity is inclusive of all human beings collectively and includes an orientation toward compassion and generosity. What that will look like are the DEI values that define our Rockefeller community:

Belonging – We believe that to be a part of a community, there must be a sense that you are seen, accepted, and valued; that you have the safety and security to be your authentic self and to know that authenticity is encouraged.

Respect – We believe that all voices have a right to be heard and honored as we collectively work to create spaces of open, transparent, and safe communication and behaviors.

Representation – We believe that advancing science for humanity requires the full inclusion of all people and the richness of such diversity will undoubtedly benefit each of us, the work that we do, and the impact of our findings.

Accountability – We believe that assessing and advancing progress towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community takes responsibility and engagement from all.

Justice – We believe in the concept of moral rightness which calls upon each of us to be just and fair as we treat each other socially, professionally, and academically.