Inclusion and diversity

K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) — Sedgwick County strives to provide research-based and unbiased information to all citizens of Sedgwick County, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status or veteran status as we believe that everyone can benefit from Extension education and programming. Respect, dignity, and grace are expected from staff, volunteers, and partners of KSRE — Sedgwick County regarding the treatment of fellow humans.
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Inclusion and diversity position statement 
Prepared by the KSRE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force

K-State Research and Extension’s mission is to provide research-based information to all the people of Kansas. In doing so, we are committed to providing equal opportunity in our workforce, programs, services, and activities. We recognize human difference enriches our lives, our work, and the communities across our state, and by committing to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we all become better human beings.

We acknowledge that the work of K-State Research and Extension takes place on Indigenous lands and in Indigenous spaces, and that our disciplines have not been historically and are not currently representative of the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds that make up Kansas, our nation, and our world. The future of our extension disciplines depends on our ability to incorporate emerging, as well as historically marginalized people and perspectives into our research, teaching, and extension work to meet current and future challenges. 

Each of us has a personal responsibility to ensure equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion is thoroughly understood, aggressively followed, and recognized as an integral part of the support we provide for every educational program developed and delivered, every research project we support, and in every opportunity for employment. 

To thrive as an organization, we must cultivate an environment of diversity and inclusion that allows us to have differences of opinions in a climate of openness, mutual respect, and trust. We must operate on the premise that we cannot be effective without being fair and responsive. Let us pledge to enrich a culture that is inclusive and encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness to enable employees and program participants to contribute to their full capability. (June 2021) 

We, the leadership of KSRE—Sedgwick County are committed to providing an environment where all people are respected, voices are heard, and opinions are considered and valued when provided in a collaborative and supportive context. We understand that when programming and outreach starts with integrity and equality, inclusion and diversity become intrinsic. We are committed to being an equal opportunity provider of programs and employer of individuals. 

Signed, 
Sedgwick County Extension Council and Sedgwick County Extension Director