UCCS Farm DEI Statement

Farm DEI Statement

DEI Statement

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important interdependent components of everyday life. We aim to foster a culture where our campus community feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve individual successes that celebrate differences of thought, experience, and identity that make us all unique. 

As a garden that is focused on conserving the biodiversity, regenerative, and polyculture of the native land of the Great Plains of southeastern Colorado, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives make our University and community stronger. The UCCS Farm is committed to creating an environment in our gardens where everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone feels safe and welcome. 

The UCCS community takes place on indigenous land and indigenous spaces. As we cultivate good land stewardship and enliven co-creative relationships between humans and the earth, transforming the practice and culture of agriculture to renew the vitality of the earth, the integrity of our food, and the health and wholeness of our community we embrace the original stewards of this ancestral homeland of indigenous heritage of the Cheyenne, Ute, and Sioux tribes. Planted within our being we create a sacred space within ourselves connecting to the spirit of nature. 

As we sow seeds of success in a socially just society may we recognize our privilege, individually and as a farm, and continue to act on opportunities that honor and support those who came before us and those who will come after us