The security of America today and tomorrow hinges on the Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T’s) ability to address the current and emerging threat landscape and capitalize on opportunities to innovate. This effort requires all segments of society to come together and apply their knowledge, diverse perspectives, and passion to America’s biggest challenges and opportunities.

S&T’s Commitment to Inclusive Diversity 

S&T is committed to workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), to perform optimally and to attract, hire, develop, retain, and promote individuals who possess the skills and commitment to serve our nation. This imperative affects every mission space of the Directorate and includes innovation, research, and development. Optimal performance starts by drawing on the wide variety of backgrounds, viewpoints, lived experiences and skills that the American people have to offer.

To foster a shared understanding of DEIA, the following are the definitions of each drawn from Executive Order 14035, Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce:

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  DIVERSITY: The practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of the American people, including underserved communities. 

• EQUITY: The consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment. 
• INCLUSION: The recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of employees of all backgrounds. 
• ACCESSIBILITY: The design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them. 

For more information, contact: st.deia@hq.dhs.gov