Diversity

SPH DEI Statement

As a community of students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we, the members of the LSUHSC School of Public Health, claim diversity, equity and inclusion as central to higher education and public health.  We leverage our strengths, similarities and differences to develop and adapt policies and practices that ensure an inclusive and equitable structure, operations, and a climate in which we can advance our collective capabilities and achieve our School’s mission. We aim to build clear lines of accountability, inclusive decision making and other forms of power sharing on all levels of institutional life. We recognize creating, supporting, and investing in DEI efforts is crucial to addressing all determinants of health across the State and beyond.

Diversity: Our School works to increase the diversity of our community members (students, staff, faculty and administrators) and of those populations with whom we collaborate – with regards to race and ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, culture, national origin, religious affiliation, political perspective, age, physical appearance, veteran status, (dis)ability status and political perspective.

Equity: Our School actively challenges and responds to bias, harassment, and discrimination on the bases of race and ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, culture, national origin, religious affiliation, political perspective, age, physical appearance, veteran status, (dis)ability status and political perspective.  We support members to provide a climate in which each member has the full opportunity to thrive.

Inclusion: Our School creates a vibrant climate by intentionally welcoming differences, respectfully hearing varied perspectives and providing a sense of belonging.


LSU School of Public Health’s goals include preparing students to address the changing needs of society, diverse in economic status, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and sexual identity.

With a population that reflects that of the state of Louisiana, we are training the next generation of Public Health workers in a way that reflects the community we call home.


6/1/2020 – LSU School of Public Health Dean’s Response to George Floyd Protests, Dean G. Smith, PhD

George Floyd’s death has again laid bare the racism that exists in American and the open wounds that will not heal themselves. As we prepare to recognize the 15 years since Hurricane Katrina, we recall that communities of color were disproportionately impacted and that many people and parts of the city will never return. During COVID-19, we are acutely aware that communities of color are being disproportionately impacted. Too many more lives are being lost. There are even people who would deny the pandemic and shame people taking precautions. If you have not already, check out the video on the School’s Diversity and Inclusion webpage: “Stopping the Spread of Stigma” by Hasheemah Afaneh and Lindsay Simpson, it is below.

A hurricane was undeniable. Apparently, a virus can be denied. We cannot deny racism. As a School and as a community, we are anti-racism and committed to diversity. We are proud that our student body reflects the diversity of the State, and we are taking policy and procedural steps to improve diversity and inclusion within the faculty and staff.  Conscious Roots, D&I training, started this week and will continue through the fall. We must find further ways to employ the tools of public health to recognize racism and act against it.

Public Health is Anti-Racism

Dean


Charge for SPH DEI Committee

The SPH DEI Committee works in conjunction with School Administration, Offices and Committees, and with the LSUHSC Office of Diversity and Inclusion.  The Committee strives to foster, advance and celebrate a culture of collaboration and a climate of inclusion for all individuals. The DEI Committee will recommend evidence-based actions and policies and promote and sponsor events that align with the Committee’s commitment to cultivate diversity, equity and inclusion across the SPH’s education, research and practice.

Committee Composition

The DEI Committee will include SPH faculty, students, staff, and alumni.  The Committee also welcomes voices from university leadership and community partners.