These guidelines are established to guide productive and supportive discussions and to promote an inclusive climate and a brave space. We expect all lab members to follow these guidelines in all discussions, whether they are technical or personal.

<aside> 📖 A brave space is a space where participants feel comfortable learning, sharing, and growing. A brave space is inclusive to all races, sexes, genders, abilities, immigration status, and lived experiences. Everyone in the space acknowledges that there may be discomfort while discussing topics that are uncomfortable in nature. In the established brave space, participants honor each other’s experiences and opinions with respect to achieve a place of understanding. [1]

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<aside> 🚫 We do not tolerate any form of harassment, no exceptions. If there is ever an incident that makes you uncomfortable, please reach out directly to Christina (note that I am a responsible employee). You can also consider other confidential and non-confidential resources. See Find support resources for more details.

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Detailed expectations

All guidelines have been assembled directly from previously published lists (see below for references) and initially created for the University of Michigan’s DEI committee. We will review these guidelines as a lab once a year to ensure that all new and continuing members are aware of the expectations within any discussion.

<aside> 📴 When others are presenting and/or during meetings, please use active listening and avoid the use of laptops or phones.

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<aside> ⚠️ In academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are right. However, when we hold discussions around diversity and equity issues, it's important to understand that everyone sees and experiences the world differently - what seems "right" in your experience may not be so in someone else's. [2] I expect students to bring this mindset into all discussions.

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In all interactions, we ask that you...

Recognize...

that none of us are experts on everything. Everyone in the group is here to learn.
that this is a professional environment. Make sure to respect professional boundaries.
that everyone has an opinion. Opinions, however, are not the same as informed knowledge backed up by research. Depending on the topic and context, both are valid to share but it's important to know the difference. To engage in deep learning, we will want to lean more toward informed knowledge and gain practice reflecting and speaking thoughtfully on difficult topics.
that different people have different needs out of a conversational environment. Give others time to think and space to process conversations/difficult decisions.

<aside> ⚠️ If you are a very chatty person, you will need to make a conscious effort to allow space in discussions for those who are quieter.

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that we must strive to overcome historical and divisive biases, such as racism and sexism, in our society. This requires intentional thought in all aspects of our work.
that no one should be required or expected to speak for their whole demographic. We can't, even if we wanted to.

Acknowledge...

your own social positionality (such as your race, class, gender, sexuality, ability-status). When contributing, consider how your own social identities might affect your perspectives, reactions and viewpoints.
that we may disagree on two valid, mutually exclusive positions. Affirm understanding of one another’s positions before judgment. Be empathetic in understanding another’s viewpoint.
that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group(s) and about members of other groups. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group(s).