DIVERSITY

Our Diverse Community of Scholars

Statement of Purpose and Values

The Department of Biological Sciences is an academic community that reflects and embraces the cultural and intellectual diversity of the real world.

Our goals are:

• to foster a climate of respect and appreciation for the value of a culturally and ethnically rich environment, and
• to prepare students for careers in a globally connected economy and to promote their personal growth, maturity and responsibility

Non-Discrimination Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or identity, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. The university is subject to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Federal Executive Order 11246, Governor Allen’s State Executive Order Number Two, and all other rules and regulations that are applicable. Anyone having questions concerning any of those regulations should contact the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office (http://www.hr.vt.edu/).

Diversity Statement – The Virginia Tech Principles of Community

• We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.
• We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
  
• We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives, scientific pursuits, and the University. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.
• We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. 
• We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination and for increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.
• We pledge our collective commitment to these principles in the spirit of the Virginia Tech motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).