UEI's Statement Affirming DEIJ
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) is central to every element of UEI's work. The partners affirm and are proud to share our comittment to upholding the DEIJ principles in every aspect of our work.
At the Urban Equity Institute (UEI), we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that reflects the rich tapestry of the communities we serve. Our mission—to develop human-centered solutions to urban challenges through critical humanities, policy research, social sciences, and urban studies— is inherently strengthened by embracing a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
We recognize that diversity encompasses a broad spectrum of attributes, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, and cultural background. By valuing and integrating these diverse viewpoints, we enhance our research and social impact initiatives, ensuring they are comprehensive and reflective of the multifaceted issues we tackle. At the same time, diversity is endemic to the practice and implementation of our research, and as we aim to improve our work, we will continue to embrace diversity, what it stands for, and how it embeds itself within our scholarly work.
We are dedicated to identifying and dismantling systemic barriers that have historically marginalized certain groups. Through equitable practices, we strive to provide all individuals with fair access to opportunities, resources, and support, enabling them to contribute fully to our collective mission. At the same time, we turn this focus outwards through our engagement with different social issues; our work will consistently strive to eliminate systemic discrimination and barriers that permeate the focus areas that we work within at the UEI. We endeavor to create an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to participate fully. This includes actively seeking out and amplifying underrepresented voices in our research, publications, and partnerships, thereby enriching our work and its impact.