Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Honored with National Award for Diversity and Inclusion
The Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has earned prestigious recognition from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and most extensive publication focusing on diversity in higher education. The school was honored with the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in the health professions category, an accolade bestowed upon only two schools of public health nationwide. The school's achievement will be celebrated alongside other awardees in the upcoming November 2023 edition of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
"This award holds immense significance for us," remarked Dr. Eva Silvestre, associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the school. "While our commitment to EDI values has been steadfast, we've undertaken dedicated efforts over the past five years to elevate our initiatives. This honor is a testament to the collective dedication of numerous individuals within our institution, spanning from the Dean's Office and beyond, all working tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all our students."
At present, about half of the school's student body identifies as belonging to racial groups other than White. In response to changing demographics, the Office of Student Experience, rebranded in 2020 to more closely align with student needs, offers a diverse range of programming tailored to student affinity groups. These activities encompass dedicated events for Black and African student, Hispanic and Latinx students, and LGBTQ+ students.
The school also has an equity data committee that tracks progress under the 5-year strategic plan for EDI.
Dean Thomas A. LaVeist, a recognized authority in the realm of health equity, has been championing equity and inclusion at the institution since assuming the role of dean in 2018. "Enhancing health equity isn't sufficient," LaVeist emphasized. "The public health professionals we nurture must reflect our multicultural society. Our faculty, too, must mirror the diverse spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. It is paramount that all our students feel represented and at home here at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine."
The Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine holds the distinction of being the first school of public health established in the United States, dating back to 1912. While Tulane University as a whole received a HEED Award last year, school officials deemed it essential to underscore the school's individual commitment to diversity, particularly given the national challenges diversity has encountered in recent years.
Lenore Pearlstein, the publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, highlighted the rigorous nature of the Health Professions HEED Award process. "The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion. We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
For additional details and access the complete list of 2023 HEED Award recipients. To learn more about the HEED Award, please visit insightintodiversity.com.
