An important component of the study of animal behavior is the study of variation and diversity. In order to bring creativity and new perspectives to our research, we rely on diversity within the scientific community.

In this spirit, the Program in Animal Behavior seeks to nurture a community of diverse academic scientists, students, and staff from a range of cultures or ethnicities, nationalities, races or geographic origins, genders, sexual orientations, and social backgrounds. We aspire to embrace diversity in all its forms, including identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinions, and to do so in a culture of respect and kindness. These fundamental values strengthen the intellectual diversity and core goals we have as scientists and educators.

Our goal is to encourage a more inclusive scientific community and collaborative environment in which all members are empowered and supported. To that end, we strive to provide a welcoming and safe community, and pledge to:

• work to increase representation of underrepresented groups among our faculty, staff, and students.
• vigorously respond to intolerant behavior that makes anyone feel excluded or unsafe.
• communicate with respect, encourage discussion, and support those who feel marginalized.
• promote diversity initiatives from every level of the university.