Diversity Initiatives

Diversity Initiatives

woman wearing a mask with a sign in the background that reads 'your future starts here.'

The mission of the WVU School of Public Health is to improve the quality of life for West Virginians and all who call Appalachia home. Of the 13 states that make up the Appalachian Region, West Virginia is the only state where all 55 counties are classified as Appalachian. Social determinants of health and overall health outcomes for the state guided our focus on the following priority populations: rural, first-generation students, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ populations and veterans.

With a renewed commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we’re moving forward in tangible ways to shape our school for the better.

What does it mean?

Diversity recognizes and understands individual human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin and political beliefs.

Equity strives for fair and just treatment of individuals, providing proportional representation for opportunities. Equity and equality are not the same. Equality does not consider individual differences, while equity addresses disadvantages for underrepresented populations.

Inclusion is the active and purposeful recognition of diversity and equity in order for all members of the community to contribute and succeed. An inclusive community values and respects all members and and makes a conscious effort to remove barriers that inhibit contribution.

Goals

The School of Public Health Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is striving to fulfill the following goals through 2022:

  1. Create an Inclusive and Equitable Environment
  2. Prepare Public Health Students for the 21st Century Workfore
  3. Increase Social Justice, Health Equity and Cultural Competence Course Content
  4. Establish an External Presence as Part of Work in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice

Taking Action

To achieve its goals and ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are incorporated throughout all we do, the Task Force has implemented various inititatives and is in the procress of developing many other programs. A few highlights follow.

In the classroom, students complete training as part of their practicum preparation and complete a critique of contemporary literature on health disparities, environmental justice, health equity or racial inequality in health and healthcare. Students also learn about diversity, equity and inclusion in public heath. Cultural competence content is woven throughout all of their learning experiences – from their coursework to guest lectures to practice-based experiences.

Get Involved

The Task Force welcomes everyone to participate in its ongoing initiatives.

Read Between the Lines

The School’s first common reading experience, Read Between the Lines encourages faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to read the book selections designed to foster inclusivity, embrace differences, celebrate diversity of thought and experiences, and elevate the art of conversation. To participate, readers are offered a copy of the book on a first come, first served basis at no cost. The program also includes a roundtable discussion.

Spring 2020 Selections:

  • Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
  • The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
  • Educated by Tara Westover

Higher Level Training

Offered through the WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Higher Level is a training series designed to empower the Mountaineer family to take ownership of the role each of us plays in promoting an inclusive campus culture. Open to all faculty, staff and students, the five-part series addresses how to recognize the effects of implicit bias.

The School of Public Health sponsors Higher Level training sessions throughout the year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training sessions have been postponed. 

Diversity Week

WVU’s annual Diversity Week endeavors to promote celebration, education and understanding of different identities and experiences present on our campus. Diversity Week is designed to create an atmosphere that provides the WVU community, including students, faculty and staff, the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives, and celebrate the presence of, and contributions made by, people of all identities and experiences.

In 2019, the School of Public Health welcomed international speaker and bestselling author, Gilbert “Gil” Singletary, PhD, JD, to campus as part of Diversity Week. Singletary presented “All Men Are Created Equal,” an engaging and powerful presentation acknowledging the 400th anniversary of when the first Africans were brought to the country and how that ties to the social justice tenets of public health.

As part of Diversity Week 2020, the School of Public Health hosted Della V. Mosley, PhD, Black queer feminist, scholar, activist and healer committed to liberation, as its keynote speaker. Her presentation, “Moving Towards Anti-Racism: Exploring Racial Trauma,” consisted of a 45-minute talk followed by a 45-minute Q&A session facilitated by Linda Alexander, EdD, senior associate dean and Diversity Task Force chair.

International Small Plates Potluck

This annual event in the spring invites all School of Public Health students, faculty and staff to bring their favorite appetizers, finger-foods, hors d’oeuvres, small plates or desserts for a sharing of one another’s culture and traditions. Check e-news or the Public Health calendar for future dates and information.

Share Your Ideas

We welcome your input to make the School of Public Health a more inclusive environment and improve the experience of all members of our community. Have an idea? Share it with our Task Force Committee.