Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In 2018, the UAB School of Health Professions formed a school-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee made up of faculty, staff and students. Together, they work collaboratively to promote these areas within the school and build capacity for embracing these concepts among our colleagues as well as our alumni.

SHP DEI Art Installation

In 2022, the SHP DEI Committee unveiled an art installation that symbolizes our commitment to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

We chose a tree to signify strength and growth. The tree is made beautiful by the diverse people and ideals of the SHP family.

The trunk of the tree represents our strong foundation of acceptance and respect. The branches of the tree follow their own unique path, just as we do. On the branches are signs of growth, but there is room for more, signifying our continued efforts to understand and exemplify the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Message to You

We have a message for all who enter our school. You can click the video above for English. Click here to see it translalted to a dozen languages. And you can read it here:

Welcome to the UAB School of Health Professions! We celebrate our differences, which make us stronger; and we value learning from one another, which brings us together. In the SHP family, diversity matters, equity matters, inclusion matters, and you matter.

Inclusive Language Resources

There are many ways for people to feel included in their environment. One way to foster inclusion is by our word choice. To learn more about inclusive language, visit the UAB Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Inclusive Language Guide (PDF).

SHP Diversity Champions

Our Diversity Champions set the standard for all with their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion wherever they go. This is a title that is not given - it is earned by those who exceed expectations and serve as models of excellence for colleagues by completing all five courses in the UAB Diversity Education program. provided by the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI).

We extend our congratulations and our gratitude to the SHP DEI Champions:

Click here to learn how you can become an SHP Diversity Champion.

SHP DEI Committee Video

The UAB School of Health Professions Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is made up of faculty, staff and students. Together, they created this video to tell you more about their group and their latest creation.

---

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey Report

In 2019, we surveyed faculty and staff to identify issues in need of attention. The strong participation across the board reveals true commitment and full support to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the university, school, program and personal level. Here is what our survey revealed.

Read Full Survey Results

---

Support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our survey asked which issues to support. On average, nearly three-quarters of participants (73%) agree or strongly agree to support all three areas – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – with diversity selected by most.

Read Support Results

---

Reported Discrimination

We asked participants about experiences of discrimination in ten different areas. All ten areas were selected and they include spiritual affiliation (9%), age (8%), socioeconomic status (8%), sexual orientation (5%), caregiver status (3%), immigration status (3%), and marital status (2%).

Read Discrimination Results

---

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Priorities

Our survey asked everyone to rank priorities for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee from most important to least important. These results will guide the SHP DEI Committee moving forward in their efforts to support all members of the SHP family.

Read Priorities Results

---

SHP Today and Tomorrow

We interviewed students, faculty, and staff about the School's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to learn where we are today as well as how we can improve every day moving forward. Please click the video below to see where we are today and where we are going tomorrow.

School Overview 2019

Moving Forward

As we move forward, there are two major activities that are part of the School's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.

1. Launch Events: The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will host several launch events to personally engage all school faculty, staff, and students in our efforts and activities. Our first event was held on March 6 and was a huge success. Be on the lookout for the announcement of our upcoming events.
2. Online Needs Assessment: Our questionnaire will explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion topics to identify issues in need of attention throughout the school.

Thank you!

In advance of all these actions, we thank you for your participation and your support - but most of all - we thank you for your commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the university, school, program, and personal level.

Individual Videos

Please click on the individual video below to see more personal reflections about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from each of those we interviewed.