COVID-19 UPDATES • 1/15/2021
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.
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.
The School of Nursing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion invites discussion and input on the ideals listed below. These bulleted items should be viewed in a Structure (diversity), Process (inclusion) and Outcome (equity) frame.
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.
The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion 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.
Contact the committee at nursingdiversity@buffalo.edu.
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.
The diversity and inclusion 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 WNY.
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.
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.
The School of Nursing complies with all non-discrimination policies of the University at Buffalo.
Our panel of UB SON alumni and Black Nurses Rock members have a candid discussion about issues surrounding race and racism in health care and nursing school. (1:02:21)
Rev. George F. Nichols, MDIV, shares the history of the African American Health Equity Task Force and Buffalo Center for Health Equity community partnership and the novel strategies they used to respond to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the African American, Latinx and other communities of color in Buffalo. Also discussed: the impact of social determinants of health on outcomes among African Americans in these communities. (1:17:24)
Discussion with Margaret Moss, PhD, JD, RN, former assistant dean for diversity and inclusion at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing (53:07)
Discussion with Kathy Twist, Interim Athletic Director, University at Buffalo, and Brian Bratta, PhD, ATC, CSCS, Director of Sports Medicine, University at Buffalo (44:14)