Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The importance of DEI at the COP

Definitions

There are many ways to define diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the June, 2021, Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce, the terms were defined as:

• Diversity
  The practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of the American people, including underserved communities.
• Equity
  The consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment.
• Inclusion
  The recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of employees of all backgrounds.
• Accessibility
  The design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.

Statement from the Dean

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is critical to the MUSC College of Pharmacy, just as it is for all forward-thinking organizations and especially to those in health care. We live in a complex world and practice in a field that touches – and is touched by – everyone. DEI adds creativity and innovation, enhances communication, and leads to better outcomes. Everyone wins. And standing up for DEI is the right thing to do.

But just because the advantages are clear, it takes vigilance and commitment to enable a diverse MUSC pharmacy community and safeguard the environment in which it can flourish. For the past few decades and with increased urgency in recent years, the college has put DEI objectives at the forefront of our strategic plans. We value diversity in all its manifestations, including diversity of thought, experience, religion, race, and gender.

Whether it is finding resources like our endowed minority scholarships, establishing alumni-student leadership and support networks, mandating training to help us all understand each other better, creating recruiting programs to reach out to under-represented populations, or celebrating special accomplishments or occasions, the college of pharmacy has been eager to lead, listen, and learn.