Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Center for Coastal Studies is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the coastal and marine sciences
The oceans and coasts belong to everyone. Understanding and protecting these shared resources relies on the interest and engagement of people from all walks of life. Many people, however, will never visit the ocean, let alone be able to afford to live and work in the average coastal community. Nature depends on diversity to thrive, but opportunities in the natural sciences and decisions about our natural resources still tend to come from the most privileged in our society. The barriers to inclusivity remain too high. Things can only change if every student has the opportunity to learn, any enthusiast has a chance to engage and any qualified worker can advance and make a fair wage in these professions.
CCS strives for diversity and inclusivity throughout its operations. Priorities identified by our standing, staff-led committee include:
- Engaging people from all walks of life to learn about our coasts/oceans, their inhabitants and the critical role that both play in all of our lives.
- Ensuring that our facility and all working sites are positive, welcoming and safe environments.
- Making internships and other opportunities to participate in marine science accessible and affordable.
- Using hiring practices that reach and entice a wide range of talent, and using methods of evaluating applicants that support a diverse and inclusive workplace
- Providing security, enrichment, advancement and fairness for all employees.
We recognize that this is an on-going process of learning and development, both at CCS and in our society overall. We welcome input and encourage our staff to participate in community groups and advisory councils beyond CCS to further advance this mission.
