June 16, 2021
We are living in a time when there is broader awareness of the value of diversity and the need for inclusivity and belonging. We are also living at a time when misunderstanding and intolerance—which sometimes leads to violence, vitriol, and hate (and the ongoing threat of the same)—is contributing to the minoritization of many groups who are often subject to discrimination. In the United States we are in a struggle for maintaining momentum for change on the one hand and preserving racial and gender inequalities on the other.
IANR is taking a stand for equality, justice, and inclusion. We realize that to do this we must also take a stand against inequality, injustice, and discrimination. We are examining and re-examining practices and policies to ensure that we are not unwittingly perpetuating systemic discrimination that advantages some in our society and disadvantages others.
We reaffirm our commitment to take intentional, meaningful steps toward making IANR and Nebraska more inclusive for those who feel the impacts of bias, racism, misogyny, and other forms of discrimination. Our next steps include activities that increase our understanding of inequities and discrimination that in the past we have either not seen or have not acknowledged. Our bias is toward action, so our next steps also include doing something about it. We will continue to listen and to look for partners in our efforts to create an environment where everyone has opportunity, where everyone is valued, and where everyone feels safe. The time to act is now to create an environment in which all of us are better colleagues, community members, neighbors, leaders, and educators.
Mike Boehm (mboehm3@unl.edu)
Ron Yoder (ryoder2@unl.edu)
Richard Bischoff (rbischoff2@unl.edu)
Archie Clutter (aclutter2unl.edu)
Tiffany Heng-Moss (thengmoss2@unl.edu)
Chuck Hibberd (chibberd1@unl.edu)
Sherri Jones (sjones6@unl.edu)