This page describes information related to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Harvard Computer Science undergraduate program and SEAS more generally.
We in the Harvard Computer Science concentration believe that Black lives matter. We support our students, faculty, and staff of color in the fight against institutionalized racism, both within our halls and in society at large. CS is committed to creating a safe environment, educating ourselves on anti-Black racism, and recruiting diverse faculty and students. We stand with Black students, and we know there is a lot of work to be done.
This is a form for anonymous feedback, for your ideas for CS to consider, or to let us know how you’re doing. CS Feedback.
The Computer Science Diversity Committee was founded in 2016 and works to increase recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented minorities in computing. Please see their website for some examples of the work they do to support diversity in computing.
Much of the diversity work at SEAS is centralized in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. They support initiatives, recruiting, changes to processes, trainings, affinity groups, discussions and more.
Computer Science Peer Concentration Advisors
To our peers in Harvard Computer Science,
We hope you have been finding strength during these challenging times, reflecting, growing, and standing together. These past few weeks have been especially difficult for many of you, and we write to condemn the endless systemic racism our Black peers face in this country, as well as express that we stand with all of you who are mourning, protesting, and/or advocating.
We, the Computer Science Peer Concentration Advisors, stand in firm solidarity with Black communities and the Black Lives Matter movement, both now and always. We call for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, Layleen Polanco, Korryn Gaines, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, and every other victim of police brutality and racial violence.
The purpose of the CS PCA program is to help build a sense of community among students and faculty in the Computer Science program and to ensure that students are supported in their academic pursuits, which calls for each of us to stand with our Black peers in both our PCA and CS communities, as well as to stand up for racial equity as allies to our Black community members. We further recognize that the technology industry and field at large would not be where they are now were it not for the groundbreaking contributions of Black computer scientists and technologists, in various positions across industry and academia.
We especially encourage non-Black members of our community to take time to engage with resources, educate yourself and those around you, and take action to help create structural change in our society. If you are looking for a place to start, please feel free to consult some of the resources we’ve listed at the end of this email.
The resources we share are in no way exhaustive, and we know that a statement alone cannot suffice. We have been communicating with the CS department to push for stronger diversity and inclusion, and hope to increase both transparency and initiative within the department. For a better understanding of the efforts of the SEAS Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and the related Computer Science Diversity Committee, please find related information here, and more generally here.
As always, please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to talk. We are here to support you in any and every way we can, not only as peer advisors to you, but also as advisors to the CS department, advocating for you. You can reach the CS PCAs at cs-pca@seas.harvard.edu; the CS DUS team at cs-dus@seas.harvard.edu; and Alexis Stokes, the SEAS Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, at astokes@seas.harvard.edu. We also always welcome your anonymous feedback via https://forms.gle/UcsjJxxD9x1akUyWA (which can also always be found on the CS advising website).
With love and solidarity,
Your Peer Concentration Advisors
Here are some ways you can get started in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement:
General:
Donate:
Sign petitions:
Text, call, email:
Read:
Statement of Solidarity from Harvard’s Tech-Affiliated Organizations
Tech Related Readings:
Anti-Racism Readings:
Watch: