Faculty issues statement on diversity and inclusion

In response to a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against the University of Rochester, the faculty of the Department of Linguistics has issued the following statement.

Dear members of Yale Linguistics,

We are writing in response to the formal EEOC complaint against the University of Rochester. In light of the ample discussion in the field about the case (summarized here), we would like to reiterate:

1. Our commitment to inclusion, which we take to mean maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for all members of the department and nurturing and supporting their participation in the life of the Department. We encourage all to get involved.
2. Our commitment to diversity, which we take to mean building a department that reflects the richness of perspectives and backgrounds that characterizes our field and of which we as linguists are proud.
3. Our commitment to open communication, which we take to mean being available to listen and respond to concerns by any member of the Department regarding any issue involving departmental climate and supporting paths to resolution that further promote inclusion, diversity, and an environment of intellectual openness.

Finally, we want to point out some of the University resources beyond our Department where these concerns could also be addressed. We should all familiarize ourselves with them. Those resources include: the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response & Education Center (SHARE): Information, Advocacy, and Support; the University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct; the Title IX Coordinators; and the Office for Equal Opportunity Programs.

Sincerely,
Claire Bowern, Robert Frank, Maria Piñango, Jason Shaw, Jim Wood, and Raffaella Zanuttini