URGE Pod
URGE (Unlearning Racism in Geoscience) focuses on advancing equity and inclusion in the Geosciences.
- Expand the Geoscience community’s understanding of how racism impacts the participation and retention of People of Color in the field.
- Use existing research, expert insights, and lived experiences to create actionable anti-racist policies and resources.
- Foster collaboration within a networked community to share, discuss, and refine these resources at both local and national levels.
- Apply and evaluate the effectiveness of anti-racist strategies within Geoscience workplaces.
Over the past few years, the URGE Pod graduate students in our Department of Earth Science have worked to develop and refine strategies that address systemic racism and promote inclusivity. Guided by the national URGE curriculum, our efforts have resulted in:
- A Code of Conduct for lab and field work to ensure respectful and safe environments.
- A university-wide reporting resource flowchart to clarify pathways for addressing issues.
- A departmental Complaints and Reporting Policy to streamline the handling of grievances.
Our overarching goal is to improve participation and retention of marginalized and BIPOC individuals within our department and the broader Geoscience community. By implementing these policies, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable academic and professional environment.
