Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Statement of Concern During a Time of Social Unrest (Jul, 2020)

The National Society of Professional Engineers deplores the injustice within our society that led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. We also condemn the violence it has in some places provoked. Racism in any form is not acceptable. To this end, I would remind all members that basic human decency and the NSPE Code of Ethics demand that “Engineers shall treat all persons with dignity, respect, fairness and without discrimination.” The violent events we are witnessing make us all painfully aware of the work that remains to be done to address the root causes of this societal ill and heal its wounds. They also underscore our profession’s imperative of putting our own house in order. Read the full text of the message.

Annual PE Conference

• Plenary Session: Why Diversity Matters – An Engineering Perspective by Karl Reid, Former Executive Director, National Society of Black Engineers (Jul 2019, recording)

Webinars

• Navigating Unconscious Bias: Strategies for Success (Apr 2020, follow-up PE magazine article)
• DEI Panel Discussion and Q & A (Dec 2020, recording)
• DEI leadership presentations (12) state society partners (May 2019 – Present)

Professional Policy No. 01 (2017)

It is the policy of NSPE to create a diverse and welcoming environment for everyone interested in the licensed practice of engineering. NSPE recognizes the benefits of a diverse population of licensed engineers in shaping the future of engineering. Diverse backgrounds foster unique contributions and capabilities and create an inclusive community ultimately leading to a more creative, effective and technically respected community. NSPE proactively encourages diversity in all areas of the engineering profession and within the organization. NSPE’s business entities and volunteer groups are committed to developing business practices and position statements in support of this policy.

Code of Ethics for Engineers – Non-Discrimination (2019)

III.1.f. Engineers shall treat all persons with dignity, respect, fairness and without discrimination.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee (2019)

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Advisory Committee supports and furthers the mission of NSPE by improving the profession through strategies designed to promote diversity and tomorrow’s engineer.

• By advocating for and supporting a climate of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Through ongoing and effective partnering, training, programs and outreach, actively work to ensure that membership in our organization reflects the ever-changing demographics of our society.

Strategic Plan (2020)

Key Focus Area (1 of 4) – Promoting Diversity and Tomorrows’ Engineers

• Develop and promote a culture of diversity and inclusion across all levels of NSPE.
• Join with others to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion across the profession.
• Identify and create opportunities to attract, nurture and retain diverse members of the profession.

DiscoverE (Founded by NSPE, 1951), Partner and Sponsor

• Future City Competition
• Engineers Week
• DiscoverE Persist Series
• Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

MATHCOUNTS (Founding member, 1983)

• 1,000 professional licensed engineers volunteer in state competitions
• 3,000 professional licensed engineers volunteer in chapter competitions

Collaborative Meetings & Presentations

• Engineering Societies’ Education Roundtable, Ongoing (DEI focus, Dec 2020)
• Presenter & Exhibitor, National Society of Black Engineers Conference (Mar 2021)
• Participant, ABET IDEA Meeting (Nov 2020)
• Presenter, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Board of Directors (Sep 2020)
• Exhibitor, National Society of Black Engineers Convention (Mar 2019)

The Maureen L. & Howard N. Blitman, P.E., Scholarship to Promote Diversity in Engineering (Established 2003)

Awarded annually to a high school senior from an ethnic minority who has been accepted into an ABET-accredited engineering program at a four-year college or university.

Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship (Established 2007)

Awarded annually to a female undergraduate entering or continuing their junior year of a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program.

Our Vision

A world where the public can be confident that engineering decisions affecting their lives are made by qualified and ethically accountable professionals.

Our Mission

To foster licensed professional engineers in service to society. Our Values: Ethics & Accountability, Qualifications, Professional Advancement, and Unity

Our Goals

Impact, Recognition, Engagement, Synergy and Stability

NSPE Professional Policy No. 1 - Diversity

It is the policy of NSPE to create a diverse and welcoming environment for everyone interested in the licensed practice of engineering. NSPE recognizes the benefits of a diverse population of licensed engineers in shaping the future of engineering. Diverse backgrounds foster unique contributions and capabilities and create an inclusive community ultimately leading to a more creative, effective and technically respected community. NSPE proactively encourages diversity in all areas of the engineering profession and within the organization. NSPE’s business entities and volunteer groups are committed to developing business practices and position statements in support of this policy.

NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers

III.I.f. Engineers shall treat all persons with dignity, respect, fairness and without discrimination.

NSPE Strategic Plan - Promoting Diversity and Tomorrow's Profession

• Develop and promote a culture of diversity and inclusion across all levels of NSPE.
• Join with others to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion across the profession.
• Identify and create opportunities to attract, nurture and retain diverse members of the profession.