Dear CUR Community:
Words cannot describe our grief and outrage at the inhumane death of George Floyd, one of many black lives lost to senseless police brutality. We mourn with and support our black colleagues, students, within and beyond CUR, who are hurting right now and who, like all people, are entitled to feel safe within and outside their own communities. Their rights as citizens should be protected. The continued instances of institutional and structural violence against people of color in our nation as a whole are shameful. Being silent is not an option.
CUR leadership reminded us of the organization’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in its recent statement against social injustice. This is indeed a prime time and opportunity for us to collectively build momentum on the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by doing the work that helps us to successfully achieve our diversity and strategic goals:
“Diversity and Inclusion in Undergraduate Research: Offers undergraduate research to a wider audience of undergraduates, faculty, and institutions to increase the diversity of participants, particularly from underrepresented groups and institutions.”
As members of the CUR Diversity and Inclusion Committee, we stand with the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community against systemic racism and social injustice. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are our core values, and we reaffirm our commitment to broadening participation in higher education and to being the change agents needed to create an equitable and just society.
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.