The Institute of Child Development (ICD) was founded in 1925 with the support of the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial to promote child welfare and wellbeing. The continued discrimination and oppression faced by members of the Black community has compelled us to examine our department's role in perpetuating inequity and systemic racism. For too long, we have not fulfilled our founding charge to improve lives for all children and their families, particularly for members of the Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. We acknowledge that failure and commit to a new way forward.

We acknowledge that systemic racism against the Black community is pervasive not only in our nation, but also in our local institutions and community, and that we have been complicit in perpetuating those systems. We acknowledge that the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands on Miní Sóta Mantiakhóčhe, the homelands of the Dakhóta Oyáte, and that their continued displacement allows the university to remain today. We are committed to creating a welcoming University environment and inclusive culture for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

Diversity and equity work is a daily practice, and we embrace the opportunity to improve upon our past, so we can fulfill our founding ideals and contribute to a more just and equitable society. We will review and expand our current research agendas and contribute to addressing diversity and equity issues in the fields of developmental psychology and early childhood education. We are committed to promoting social justice, adopting anti-racist practices, policies, and procedures, and actively working to dismantle internal systems that perpetuate inequity in our department, university, and society. Read more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.