EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION EFFORTS AT THE UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY: PERSPECTIVES FROM A STATE GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION

The racial injustices and subsequent protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020 catalyzed discussion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) efforts and actions worldwide. At the Utah Geological Survey (UGS), a group of employees began to meet during non-working hours to host our own discussions and learn about social inequities and injustices, including within the geosciences and our public-serving institution. These informal meetings provided a safe place to grow as individuals and as coworkers. In late 2020, we approached UGS administration about formalizing a committee to address EDI topics. The administration supported the formation of a seven-staff-member committee and allotted four paid hours per employee per month for meetings.

In our first year the committee defined our primary goals and functions, which are to provide allyship and resources to UGS staff, evaluate hiring protocol to attract and retain diverse applicants, and improve relationships with underserved communities in the gathering and distribution of scientific information. To date, we have 1) formulated an EDI statement which is posted on the UGS website, 2) evaluated hiring practices within the UGS and prepared an HR-approved hiring guide with unconscious/implicit bias information and job announcement dissemination recommendations, 3) hosted informal seminars and discussions for staff, 4) addressed EDI-related issues with staff and administration, and 5) built a partnership with the UGS parent entity (Utah Department of Natural Resources) which, in 2022, formed a department-wide EDI group with representatives from each division.

Our committee is dedicated to stewardship of EDI within our organization as well as advocating for policies that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce and in the interactions with people we serve. The grassroots origins of our committee has aided in the success and legitimacy of our efforts, and enabled broader department-wide EDI consideration and actions. Our EDI work is on-going with many challenges, and improvements require patience. As a government agency, we recognize that change is incremental. However, our track record has inspired change from the individual level to state-wide EDI initiatives.