Kansas State University

The recent rise in violence and hate crimes, in conjunction with disparate effects of the pandemic, have painfully highlighted the lethal impact of racism, injustice, and inequality and the work we have ahead of us. Entomology established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group in the summer of 2020 to lead departmental efforts to address systemic racism, review and revise departmental policies and procedures, and support our community through action.

Entomology faculty, students, and staff affirm and extend messages from the College of Agriculture and Kansas State University leadership condemning acts of racial violence, inequities, and other social injustices. The Entomology DEI working group is charged to develop concrete steps and metrics of progress for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the department, including changes to our research, Extension, and educational programming; training opportunities for faculty, staff, and students; forums for deeper learning about how to foster inclusion; initiatives to advance research and engagement to reduce inequality; and strategies for increasing our diversity. Its work is ongoing.

The members of the Department of Entomology inherently understand that diversity is a keystone organizing concept in our profession. From the insects we study, to the systems we research, to the students we mentor, to the places we come from, to the cultures we practice, we are enriched by our manifold diversity. But, acknowledging and valuing diversity is only the first step towards equity and justice in our profession.

In our commitment to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we affirm that:

1. Our people should feel safe to express their identity, and that they will be respected for this.
2. Our department must make a concerted effort to bring in diverse student voices, enrich their experience, and to make their success a priority by equipping them with appropriate resources.
3. Our faculty, staff, and students are committed to listening and to do the hard work that reconciliation calls us to do.
4. A changing climate requires responsive leadership that is ready to address the needs of our people.

Finally, together as faculty, staff, and students, we agree to follow the proceeding compact as best as we are able: we will value diversity, equity, inclusion, and dignity. We stand together against racism, misogyny, ableism, homophobia and transphobia, xenophobia, religious discrimination, and all other -isms that express hate and intolerance. We respect and seek out inclusion of differences, realizing we can learn from each other without treating each other as tokens. We insist on a culture of respect, and recognize that words and actions matter. The absence of action and words also matter. We agree to create a welcoming culture, and to safeguard equity, inclusion and dignity by refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice.

Our long-term vision is that DEI Working Group initiatives and related charges will be incorporated into all Entomology committee actions or charges, current and future. Thus, we aim at systemic change in the department. The organization of the current working group reflects this proposed structure, which includes all current committee chairs plus student and staff representation. Our goal is to ensure the voices and needs of underrepresented and marginalized individuals in the department are heard and that conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion occur wherever decisions are made, not just in a single standing committee.

If you have more questions or would like to register specific feedback about DEI initiatives in the Department of Entomology, we encourage you to reach out to the following points of contact. Another first step in becoming an ally and advocate for underrepresented groups is by becoming more self-aware and identifying your own biases. Here are some resources to help you start that journey, and please reach out if you have suggestions on what resources should be added.

Dr. Zelia Wiley is the Assistant Dean and Director of the College of Agriculture’s Diversity Program and (https://www.k-state.edu/diversity-inclusion/initiatives/dpp/) is our College and Department Diversity Point Person (DPP). Dr. Wiley helps with strategic planning, assisting with special initiatives and projects/events, and the recruitment and retention of underrepresented faculty, students, and staff. Please visit the link above for more information. We encourage you to contact Dr. Wiley (zwiley@ksu.edu) with any questions about activities or initiatives at the college level. The College of Agriculture Diversity Programs Office is a certified SafeZone and an ally of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the Office of First-Generation Students, McNair Scholars, and the Student Access Center (equal access opportunities for students with disabilities.

Please reach out to Chair of Entomology, Brian McCornack, (mccornac@ksu.edu) with your concerns and suggestions.

Students, you can also contacxt the Student Ombudsperson Office, where your student ombudsperson is there to listen to your concerns in a safe setting.

K-State Research and Extension and the College of Agriculture

The Diversity Programs Office is dedicated to providing and promoting leadership opportunities, understanding, goodwill, diversity and friendship among the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension.

• Learn about the College of Agriculture's diversity program
• Check out KSU's Office of Diversity & Dual Career Development site
• Dean Minton's commitment to DEI across KSRE