The Smithsonian reflects the diversity of the American people and the world today. Our mission, the "increase and diffusion of knowledge," is achieved through the efforts of our highly qualified staff. We strive to maximize our effectiveness, cultural inclusion and internal diversity by welcoming people of all backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion are also integral components in the Smithsonian Strategic Plan. The Institution continues to demonstrate commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees, affiliated persons, and applicants for employment, regardless of their race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, genetic information, or disability through its EEO & Diversity Policy Statement.
To assist the Smithsonian in its diversity and inclusion goals, OEESD developed and published the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Report (DIIR) in an effort to capture and report on the multiplicity of diversity and inclusion related activities around the Institution. Data is drawn from Smithsonian museums, research centers and offices' submissions in all efforts that they feel meet the criteria of a diversity and inclusion initiative. To this end, units submitted initiatives in the following areas:
- Programs
- Activities
- Recruitment Efforts
- Outreach
The Report demonstrates the Smithsonian's ongoing commitment to reflect the nation's diversity in its workforce, programming and business relationships. To view past reports go to FY 2014, FY 2015, FY 2016, FY 2017, FY 2018, FY2019, FY 2020, FY 2021, FY 2022 and FY 2023.
Diversity Collaborations
The Smithsonian participated on the Executive Office of the President – Office of Science and Technology Policy and Office of Personnel Management’s taskforce that looked at increasing diversity in the STEM workforce by reducing the impact of bias. This interagency group focused on sharing best practices for increasing diversity in STEM. The Smithsonian shared initiatives such as the Early Youth Engagement through Science that supports Latino middle school students and the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s partnership with Shell Oil Foundation and the National Science Teachers’ Association that addresses stereotypes about gender and ethnicity. To view the full report go to Reducing the Impact of Bias in the STEM Workforce: Strengthening Excellence and Innovation or to view the Report's digest go to Report Digest: Reducing the Impact of Bias in the STEM Workforce.
Additional Special Emphasis Resources
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- National Coalition for Equity in Public Service
- National Image, Inc
- Society of American Indian Government Employees
- Federal Asian Pacific American Council
- Federal Employees with Disabilities
- FEDQ: A National Employee Resource Group for LGBT+ and Allies in the Government
- OPM: Diversity & Inclusion
- OPM: Federal Workforce-at-a-Glance
- Diversity in Federal Science and Engineering Workforce
