Diversity & Inclusion

The Department of Animal Science recognizes that we can only achieve excellence in our research and in our contributions to society if our work reflects and represents the diverse global communities we serve, including historically marginalized peoples in the United States. We strive to live up to Cornell University’s founding principle to be an institution where ‘any person can find instruction in any study,’ but know that we can do more to achieve our founder's vision.

We further recognize the damaging impact of the long and ongoing history of racism, sexism, ableism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, and other systems of oppression on our society. Although the department strives to be inclusive, our scientific fields and agricultural industries are not exempt from these issues. This history requires that we all work to actively dismantle the policies, practices, unwritten rules, biases, and microaggressions that lead to inequity.

We dedicate ourselves to promote diversity within our department and to create an equitable and inclusive learning and work environment. Achieving these goals requires consistent commitment from all members of the department and regular self-assessment of progress. To initiate a course of action, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee commits to:

• Conduct thorough assessments of departmental climate and culture with respect to diversity and inclusion
• Develop a Strategic Action Plan to clearly define department priorities and actions needed to achieve and maintain diversity and inclusion goals
• Participate in department recruiting, admissions, and hiring practices to ensure these efforts meet the highest standards for equity and inclusion
• Continue to support under-represented minority students in the Animal Science major and to engage students with members of the Animal Science industry representing diverse backgrounds and offering unique perspectives

D&I committee members 

• Kristan Reed
• Lindsay Goodale
• Jeremy Allen
• Julie Berry
• Ananda Portela Fontoura
• Brianna Tate
• Claira Seely