Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At the School of Nursing, we are committed to fostering an environment that supports all individuals and values diversity, inclusion and equity. These elements are fundamental to our core values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect for diverse backgrounds and opinions, and excellence.
University at Buffalo School of Nursing Stands Against Racial Injustice
As nurses who pledge to provide care for all human beings, we must take a stand against this structural and systemic racism that is ingrained in every aspect of our society. Read UB School of Nursing's statement.
On this page:
Justice, Equity, DIversity & Inclusion: Definitions
The School of Nursing Committee on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion invites discussion and input on the ideals listed below.
Justice
Justice is a fair and just relationship between society and individuals. This includes the distribution of wealth, power, education, health care and all other forms of personal and social rights and privileges. Justice entails providing disadvantaged individuals and groups access to these rights in a way that is most effective for the disadvantaged.
Equity
Equity is concerned with a system of justice and fairness. Equitable access to resources, services and power recognizes that all individuals or groups do not have the same starting point for access, and thus aims to ensure individuals are fairly positioned to benefit from resources, services and power.
Diversity
Diversity entails social, physical and psychological variation among individuals and groups, including race, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, educational background, mental and physical ability, and is not limited to these categories.
Inclusion
Inclusion necessitates that an environment is welcoming, respectful and supportive of all individuals and groups so that all members of our community are able to participate to the best of their ability.
The committee will work within the University at Buffalo concept of Inclusive Excellence.
Inclusive Excellence is a comprehensive approach that integrates inclusivity into all aspects of university operations and creates a culture of shared responsibility in which all members of the university community are integral to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee
The School of Nursing JEDI Committee facilitates the promotion and evolution of initiatives that address diversity and inclusion. This committee has monthly meetings and includes three faculty, three staff, and a minimum of two students. The faculty-staff unity and collaboration is palpable in the committee. The presence of the Multicultural Nursing Student Association is also valued.
Questions?
Contact the committee at nursingdiversity@buffalo.edu.
Committee Members
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee continues work via Zoom despite COVID-19's disruption of in-person events and initiatives.
- Kafuli Agbemenu
- Hiu Ying (Herby) Cheung-Mayes (Staff Support)
- Stephanie Comer (student)
- Meg Doerbacher
- Lynn Emminger
- Sarah Goldthrite
- Amy Hequembourg (Chair)
- Linda Paine Hughes
- Gerri Kremer (Co-Chair)
- Jessica Nguyen (student)
Diversity Grand Rounds
Diversity grand rounds were initiated in the Fall of 2017. These educational, interactive sessions address issues of diversity and inclusion – especially those relevant for academic health campus community members. Well-known internal and external guest speakers deliver the primary content of the grand rounds, followed by interactive discussion.
Sessions have addressed topics such as multi-generational trauma in American Indians and policy and advocacy for transgender students in both health care and recreation/athletic settings.
The Diversity Grand Rounds series will continue, with the aim of presenting at least one session annually, with invitations extended to academic health campus and other decanal units. The SON School of Dental Medicine diversity officers have met and agreed to collaborate, expand and continue Diversity Grand Rounds.
Diversity and Inclusion Showcase
The JEDI showcase is located outside 114 Wende Hall. The display currently highlights the Diversity & Inclusion committee's initiatives and COVID-19's impact on racial and ethnic minority communities in Western New York.
The simplest processes are able to infuse inclusion and inspire others. A visual diversity and inclusion presence in the decanal unit is vital to our shared mission and vision. This dedicated showcase highlights diversity and inclusion themes and initiatives regularly. Photos, stories, and artifacts are showcased attractively.
View the Display Documents
Links to accessible versions of the documents in the display can be found below. If you need additional assistance accessing these documents, please contact nursingdiversity@buffalo.edu.
University at Buffalo Diversity and Inclusion Resources
The School of Nursing complies with all non-discrimination policies of the University at Buffalo.
Diversity entails social, physical and psychological variation among individuals and groups, including race, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, educational background, mental and physical ability, and is not limited to these categories.
