Our organizers come from a diverse array of experiences and identities, including, but not limited to, different faiths, different racial and ethnic identities (including East Asian, South Asian, and white), identifying as immigrants and children of immigrants, queer identities, and first-generation students. We are all affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania as undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and postdoctoral fellows with varying experiences with the graduate school admissions process. Our committee members identify both with the experiences and backgrounds of those underrepresented in academia and as allies who do not identify with underrepresented identities.

We believe that gaps exist in academia and the mind sciences, including at Penn, due to bias, discrimination, unequal access to knowledge and resources, and other institutional and interpersonal factors leading to imbalances in representation and power. DivE In believes it is unfair and unjust for individuals to miss out on opportunities due to social class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and other identity or background factors. One way to address these inequities is through making information, resources, support, and mentorship accessible and relevant to the needs of students from underrepresented backgrounds. We also believe it is important to share these resources with all who may benefit, including students not underrepresented. Additionally, we believe addressing these issues needs to happen at both institutional and individual levels, supporting students not only in recruitment but while they are in programs as well.

DivE In acknowledges that our program can contribute to correcting inequities but will not eliminate them fully. We also acknowledge that our committee’s makeup and diversity will influence our decisions and biases, likely leading us to make mistakes along the way. Ultimately, we believe our goal to support students from underrepresented backgrounds is necessary, not only for equity, but for the vitality and relevance of the mind sciences.