The Evolution of Strategies in Academia to Address Health Equity and Social Justice

As a response to the 2020 global reaction to social injustice, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SON&HS) created a task force whose purpose was to develop an actionable Health Equity Statement that will serve as a framework and guide of our teaching learning processes in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This statement articulates the SON & HS resolute stance against racism and all other forms of inequity and unjust treatment; its dedication to understanding, identifying, and actively advocating for changes in the deeply rooted structural inequalities in our healthcare system and society; and its endeavor to create solidarity across the global community in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. This work has led to the development of a standing committee focusing on health equity. We have begun to implement actionable changes that will enhance the practices of our faculty and guide students to achieve ethical leadership.