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Submenu for: Diversity & Inclusion DEI Committee & Submitting Concerns
We represent all people of the Department of Molecular Biosciences. We are committed to creating a climate in which everyone feels valued and can excel. We will provide all members of our community with a supportive and safe space to discuss, ask questions, and learn about issues and topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we will create accountability for adherence to the Department’s diversity and inclusivity principles. Our actions will be guided by these principles, not by Departmental politics.
Committee Members
- Laura Lackner, DEI Committee Chair (Associate Professor)
- Christine McCary (Associate Professor of Instruction, Weinberg College Advisor)
- Keara Lane (Assistant Professor)
- Shelby Blythe (Assistant Professor)
- Xiaojing Sui (Postdoctoral Fellow)
Ad hoc Committee Consultant
- Ginger Gilmore (Life Sciences Financial Services Business Administrator) - will provide advice on HR-related matters and university policies; will not view or be involved in the discussions of submitted concerns
If you have concerns about discriminatory, exclusionary, or harassing behaviors, there are multiple options available for you to discuss and/or submit your concerns.
Discuss your concerns directly: You are always free to speak with the Department Chair, Assistant Chair, or any member of the DEI committee directly. We are here to listen, have conversation, provide additional resources for support, and discuss your options for reporting.
Submit your concerns anonymously: You may submit your concerns anonymously to the DEI committee using this form. Your submission will be viewed by members of the DEI committee only. Graduate students have the additional option of anonymously submitting concerns to the Diversity in Biological Sciences (DIBS) Board using this form. For concerns reported to DIBS, the DIBS board will discuss the submission and only share information with the DEI committee that they feel is relevant and necessary.
All submissions made through these linked forms are anonymous unless you choose to disclose your identity. If you disclose your identity, we will work with you and discuss options for ways to proceed. For anonymous submissions, our ability to address specific concerns is limited. We will use any information submitted anonymously to guide discussions on actions the committee can take to ensure the department is a supportive and safe space for all of its members.
Please note that for issues of sexual misconduct and/or gender discrimination, faculty members and administrators are mandated reporters and may need to share incidents with the Office of Equity and Title IX Administration. Confidential support for issues of sexual misconduct and/or gender discrimination can be found here.
Contact Northwestern’s Office of Equity: You can find information on getting assistance from Northwestern’s Office of Equity and access their reporting system.