The Danforth Plant Science Center stands unambiguously and proudly with Black individuals, families and communities. We condemn all acts and forms of racism, including violence and killing done and perpetuated by police officers directed toward Black communities. We grieve with those who are affected and have suffered immeasurable loss. How we move forward from the recent killing of Black Americans - George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and so many others - and our national reckoning with systemic racism will define who we are.

The Danforth Center community commits to continuously learn about impediments to racial equality, to implement positive changes that address racial inequality, and to support our Black colleagues and Black communities. We acknowledge that we lack full answers to many questions about how to achieve a Danforth Center that matches our ideals, but we commit to seeking answers and solutions through listening, through empathy, through inclusive dialogue, through admission of faults, through education, through cultivating diverse leadership, and through serving as allies. We understand that contributions, actions and leadership are needed from all parts of the Danforth Center.

The Danforth Center has been working for some time on accountable efforts, including Center-wide training, recognition and celebration, and revision of hiring and evaluation practices, to achieve a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community. But we acknowledge that these steps are only a few in a long journey. Through our core values of Diversity and Inclusion, and Integrity and Respect, the Danforth Center community declared, “We act with humility, empathy and concern for others. Diversity and Inclusion strengthen our community. We actively welcome diverse people, cultures, and perspectives. We strive to provide an environment in which everybody feels comfortable and excels.” Our values leave no room for racial disparity, and are fully aligned with the fact that Black Lives Matter.

Jim Carrington, Ph.D.
President