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Lab Code of Conduct & EDI Statement

Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

The Emerging Contaminants Lab is strongly committed to upholding the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Consistent with the Tri-Agency Statement on EDI (external link) , and the Dimensions Pilot Program at Toronto Met, the Emerging Contaminants Lab will foster an environment in which all will feel comfortable, safe, supported, and free to speak their minds and pursue their research interests. The Emerging Contaminants Lab recognizes that the scientific research community and culture has been historically and continues to be exclusionary to traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM fields (those who identify as women, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, Indigenous, and/or people with disabilities). We acknowledge that challenges to equity, diversity and inclusion exist in the academic research culture and that we need to actively work on removing barriers to access to research opportunities and to attract, support, retain and promote the most diverse and inclusive research culture for all group members. 

Philosophy

We adopt a philosophy of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This stems from the belief that increasing the intersections of identity in research improves our research and us as environmental scientists. To focus on integrating the principles of EDI into research culture is to take a step in the direction of more inclusive science, where the quality of teams and inclusion of teammates is a key factor. We strive for inclusive excellence. This research group will foster an environment in which all will feel comfortable, supported and free to speak their minds. One of the steps we are taking towards increased diversity and a stronger sense inclusion is the creation of this code of conduct which sets clear boundaries for all teammates - and is made in the awareness that scientific culture can be exclusionary to historically under-represented groups in STEM fields (women, racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ++, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities). By acknowledging the challenges to full EDI that exist in our field, we will recognize privilege, acknowledge the challenges faced by each group member, and intentionally take steps to improve our group’s culture for all members. 

Code of Conduct

The code of conduct comprises the following points:

  1. We acknowledge that safe spaces aren’t assumed – they are created. We need to all be active participants in creating a space that feels safe for all.
  2. Group members shall respect each individual's ideas, ideologies, religions, culture, heritage, languages, and identity.
  3. Group members shall advocate for each other (not being bystanders).
  4. All group members shall strive to have clear communication with each other about expectations and conflicts - respecting each other and avoiding assumptions.
  5. Group members shall ask if someone wants help before giving it and remember that we all have things to learn from - and teach to each other.
  6. Personal contact information that may be shared for research purposes will not be used for social purposes unless the team members give explicit consent.
  7. Group members shall aim to maintain friendly professionalism.
  8. Group members should actively learn about each others’ experiences, using curiosity - not judgment - to be inclusive of the identities and backgrounds of others.
  9. All discussions and conversation in the group should be in English, so everyone can participate.
  10. All forms of misconduct and harassment (including but not limited to sexual, physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, and prejudice) are not tolerated in the group, and they will be reported to the appropriate authority at Toronto Met.