Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Louisiana State University Planetary Science Lab is committed to maintaining a positive and inclusive work environment.

We aim to be a welcoming space for individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and we are committed to honoring and respecting all identities, including race, nationality, gender, sexuality, ability, and age. We understand that excellent science is only produced when all members of a space feel welcomed and capable of doing their best work. As such we understand that not only committing to supporting diversity, but maintaining that commitment through outreach and communication, is imperative.

 

PSL also stands in solidarity with Black communities that have been affected by police brutality and modern and historic racism. We understand that the planetary and geological sciences have historically been unwelcoming to individuals of color, particularly Black individuals. Black scientists have historically contributed greatly to the fields of planetary and space sciences. However, these contributions have often been and continue to be overlooked, while the planetary sciences, and sciences as a whole, uphold racist practices. Significant change is necessary, particularly towards ensuring the planetary sciences are welcoming and supportive of Black scientists. PSL is committed to supporting diversity in the field of planetary sciences as well as maintaining a welcoming space for individuals of color.

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PSL is also committed to supporting women in the planetary sciences, given that planetary science and geology, and the sciences as a whole, has historically been unwelcoming of women scientists. PSL recognizes this historical failure, and maintains a commitment to providing space for women scientists.

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Our Commitments Moving Forward

As we work toward increasing diversity and accessibility in the field of planetary sciences, we have developed goals that PSL will prioritize moving forward.

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1) With the aim of empowering underrepresented communities across the USA and African nations, PSL will broaden our participation in the Africa Initiative for Planetary and Space Science (AFIPS) by partnering with U.S. planetary scientists of color in AFIPS work, especially Black American Scientists and graduate researchers.

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2) PSL will prioritize funding postdoctoral and graduate researchers from underrepresented communities when proposing to NASA solicitations.

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3) PSL will develop research partnerships with scientists residing in communities recovering from communal and political violence in South Asia.