What can we help you find?

DiVersity & Inclusion on Air: Diversity & Wellbeing in the Wake of the 2020 U.S. Election

This is the first episode of AAVMC’s Focus Friday. This new short web-based show is a quick opportunity to do check ins on issues that cut across the diversity and wellbeing spaces. The show is hosted by Lisa Greenhill, AAVMC’s Sr. Director for Institutional Research and Diversity, and Makenzie Peterson, AAVMC’s Director for Wellbeing.

In this first episode, they talk about how members of the underrepresented populations in veterinary medicine (URVM) and LGBTQ+ communities are coping in the wake of the U.S. election.

DiVersity & Inclusion on Air: DEI & Institutional Policymaking

On this livestream episode of Diversity and Inclusion on Air, Dr. Marco Barker, Vice Chancellor for Diversity & Inclusion at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, sits down to discuss how to go about creating institutional policies that drive positive change in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Books mentioned during the show:

From The Conversation

The following articles about diversity and inclusion are from The Conversation.

AAVMC DiVersity Matters Initiative

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) CEO Dr. Andrew Maccabe stops by to talk about the Association’s DiVersity Matters initiative. He shares a bit of the history of how it came to be, what has been accomplished, and the pivot to a more proactive social justice framework for the initiative. He also offers advice to veterinary colleagues and organizations on personal and professional development in this space.

Reflections On Gender Equity, Civility

Dear Colleagues:

male and female icons with stethoscopes

The statement below is from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and is written specifically to members of the veterinary medical profession because Representative Yoho is a veterinarian. However, placing this into context for our college, the words used in this statement are true for everyone, whether you are a veterinarian, a biomedical scientist, a faculty member engaged in teaching and service, a staff member supporting a program, or a student at any level. Words matter…as do genuine expressions of respect and acts of kindness. Importantly, when we hear others say something that is not appropriate, it is our responsibility (and, we think, our honor) to step in and refuse to be silent. Silence makes us complicit. Courage makes our world better.

Respectfully,

Dr. Kenita Rogers & Dr. John August

AAVMC Supports Gender Equity and Civility, Rejects Sexism

The AAVMC condemns the reported language and tone of the encounter between Rep. Ted Yoho and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as described in the media. Disrespectful, misogynistic behavior is not acceptable under any circumstance. Veterinarians have a special responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and to preserve the dignity of the veterinary medical profession.

Women often hear derogatory and abusive language that is directed at them. This experience is likely familiar to the many women who are veterinarians and veterinary medical students. It is especially important that we publicly affirm the dignity and equality of women to ensure the success of our profession. If we are to be champions of diversity and inclusivity, then we must live those values each and every day, without exception.

We confront and reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other differences that have led to misunderstanding, hostility, and injustice. At the same time, we welcome diversity of thought and political beliefs; however, basic principles of positive conflict resolution require that we treat one another with courtesy, mutual respect, and civility.

Words matter. What we say matters—and the way we say it matters.