Commitment to Inclusivity and our Lab Community.

Inclusivity is an imperative in the McEwan Lab.

In the McEwan Lab we view inclusivity as the basic notion that everyone in the lab is treated with fundamental respect and included in all appropriate lab activities and communication.

The McEwan Lab abides by and strongly supports the University of Dayton Nondiscrimination policy:  LINK.  Further, we strongly affirm the University of Dayton’s equity efforts and formally proclaim:

The McEwan Lab does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, familial status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation.

McEwan Lab Online Anonymous Reporting Form.

If something happens to you, or you witness something happen, that you feel is a violation of the inclusivity imperative, then you should report this to Dr. McEwan.  If you feel worried that negative statements might cause problems for you, then you can simply type up a description of the problem and leave it as an anonymous note in Dr. McEwan’s mailbox, or submit your observation to the online inclusion form [LINK]. This may include something that happened in the lab, in the field, at UD, at a professional meeting or in any other setting. You can use the form in any way that you wish, to communicate any issue that you wish, but I am particularly eager to hear from you if things have happened where you feel that the lab community has been, or is being, harmed or if there is some violation of inclusivity.  The form is completely anonymous and no effort will be made to seek the identify of the submitter.

ONLINE REPORTING FORM:  LINK

Resolving Conflict.

One important aspect of inclusivity in the McEwan lab is a commitment to the lab community during times of conflict. Occasional disagreement is a normal part of a large, interacting, group and we must all acknowledge that potential exists for miscommunication and hurt feelings. Although we seek a “horizontal” structure, there are power imbalances in the lab that must be acknowledged and addressed.

One important thing that you can do to ensure the work environment remains hospitable and safe for everyone is to address any conflict that arises promptly with the individual in question.  If there is some reason that you cannot address the issue immediately or if you feel unable to deal directly with the individual in question, then bring your issue to one of the graduate students or Dr. McEwan or submit an outline of the conflict to the online form.

Demeaning and Harmful Speech.

In the McEwan Lab we view will seek to practice “non-violent communication” at all times.  Insults or other forms of verbal aggression are banned from the workspace of the lab and from the field environments where lab members are working.  While we do not want to limit your opportunity for creativity, listening to music, or humor, we urge caution if others may overheard language that they find offensive.

Gossiping & Exclusion.

Lab members should never have to worry that others are talking about them “behind their back” or gossiping about them in a negative way.  It is unacceptable for you to engage in these behaviors.  For example, if you feel slighted by something a grad student says, or you feel one of the other students in the lab is being, e.g., “lazy,” you should not form a group chat with other lab members to discuss how “awful” that person is through text messages.  This is harmful behavior that is unacceptable in any professional environment. You must not engage in such things, if you see it happening you should tell folks doing it to “stop” and tell Dr. McEwan either in person or anonymously using the online form.

Harassment, Discrimination and Assault.

Any activity in the lab that violates the anti-harassment policies of the University of Dayton will be addressed promptly through the formal equity compliance process:  LINK.  In particular, we are vigilantly opposed to sexist, misogynistic, racist, homophobic and transphobic behavior and language and will seek to create an open, inclusive, space for the sharing of ideas and professional growth of lab members.

Sexual harassment and assault are prevalent on college campuses and we want members of the McEwan Lab to be safe.  We will not tolerate such behavior in the Lab and will work to rid the campus of the University of Dayton of this behavior.  Members of the lab are encouraged to participate in Green Dot training and we will seek to have a formal lab meeting devoted to this training when possible.

Dr. McEwan & McEwan Lab Grad Students are Mandatory Reporters 

If something happens to you and you wish to talk about it to Dr. McEwan or a graduate student in the lab, it is important that you understand that while your privacy is important, we cannot promise to keep what you share confidential if what you share indicates a violation of your rights or the law.  If you are comfortable speaking with us we will take what you say seriously.  We will pursue the appropriate processes carefully and thoughtfully. There are many different offices and venues for addressing a wide range of issues and we will help you navigate to the appropriate person. There are people on campus (Doctors, Counselors, Clergy) who are NOT mandatory reporters who I can direct you to.  But, it is important that you know that if what you share with me indicates a violation of your rights I literally cannot meet your request for privacy.

 LINK to more information on Mandatory Reporting.