Preamble
The American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) is comprised of professionals with varied interests in diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology as well as different backgrounds, perspectives, goals, and personal needs. We believe our College best serves the needs of our members and the public by fostering an inclusive community that celebrates our common ground and values personal and professional differences. The ACVR Principles of Community explicitly states our commitment to building and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community.
ACVR Principles of Community
We work to build and maintain a culture of personal and professional respect within our College. We affirm freedom of open expression, within the boundaries of professional and personal courtesy and with the understanding that we will assist and challenge one another to better understand and respect our differences.
We reject prejudice and discrimination of all forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, gender expression, age, ethnicity, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious/non-religious or spiritual beliefs, political beliefs, socio-economic status, and all other differences or identities.
We value diversity and believe it strengthens our community. We work to create an inclusive community that welcomes and supports people from all social identity groups and people with disabilities. We will provide a sustained commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere, including continued learning and improvement in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
We work to provide safe and welcoming professional spaces, where members of our community are comfortable being themselves. This includes, but is not limited to, the annual scientific meeting, committee meetings, Executive Council, the website and other leadership and professional activities. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment and bullying) or any conduct or behavior which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. We will work to identify and combat systemic biases in our structures, policies, and practices. We will provide and develop resources that reflect the commitments listed above and support the wellness and personal growth of those in our community. We will encourage feedback and suggestions from all members of our community on how best to meet these objectives.
DEI Resources
Definition of DEI
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Diversity is the presence of differences within a group. Equity is the process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the professional organization.
Definition of Diversity
Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities and social group differences within a given setting. That can mean differences in race, ethnicity, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, language, political perspective, and socioeconomic class.
Definition of Equity
Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies, ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. This means acknowledging and rectifying structural inequalities.
Definition of Inclusion
Inclusion refers to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging and able to participate to their potential.
Self-Assessment Tools
- AVMA Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Checklist
- AAVMC Intentional Organizational Diversity and Inclusion Efforts Assessment Tool
- Harvard Project Implicit Bias Tests
DEI Certification Programs in Veterinary Medicine
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine
- Brave Space Certificate Program (AVMA)
Veterinary Resources
- AVMA Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine
- AAVMC Diversity Matters
- Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition
- Journey: A Guide for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE)
Other Articles and Resources
- Article – “Don’t Be Scared to Talk About Disabilities. Here’s What to Know and What to Say.” (NPR)
- Article – “Pet Owners Are Diverse, but Veterinarians Are Overwhelmingly White. Black Veterinarians Want to Change That” (TIME)
- Article – List of Black Diplomates Sparks Discussion, Action (AVMA)
Books
- Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine – Lisa Greenhill, AVMA Associate Director
- Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People – Mahzarin Banakji, Harvard Psychology Professor & Anthony Greenwald, University of Washington Psychology Professor
- Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What We See, Think and Do – Jennifer J. Eberhardt, Stanford University Psychology Professor
- Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America – Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University Sociology Professor
Support
Peer/Affinity Groups
- Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association
- National Association for Black Veterinarians
- Black DVM Network
- Latinx Veterinary Medical Association
- Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals
- Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses
- Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative
- PrideVMC