Published September 12, 2017
The Duke Global Health Institute’s (DGHI’s) Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to help create and sustain a community and culture that is built on and promotes equity, collaboration, belonging and mutual respect in our academics, research and other DGHI activities.
The committee—which includes students, staff members, faculty members and administrators—recently announced its fall lineup of activities.
“I like this quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French pilot and novelist: ‘He who is different from me does not impoverish me—he enriches me,’” said Kimberly Walker, co-chair of the committee and associate director of the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research. “To appreciate and respect another’s culture, we must have conversations with those who are different from us and be open to inviting them into our ‘in-group.’
“DGHI and Duke as a whole are overflowing with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences,” she added. “The DGHI Diversity and Inclusion Committee is one resource to help foster those interactions and opportunities for celebration and growth.”
Sara LeGrand, assistant research professor of global health, co-chairs the committee with Walker.
DGHI’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
In our global health work, we derive strength from our different perspectives, disciplines, and personal backgrounds as we build partnerships locally, nationally, and globally. The same is true as we cultivate relationships and engage in work together at DGHI and across campus.
DGHI is committed to increasing diversity and inclusiveness in our community. We believe that:
- We learn from each other.
- We often learn the most from those who are different from ourselves.
- Diversity is a catalyst for new ideas and creativity.
DGHI strongly endorses Duke University’s position on diversity and inclusion.
Committee Promotes Awareness, Hosts Events and Seeks Feedback
The committee’s mission is to promote and uphold basic rights and values of equity, inclusivity and mutual respect regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity or expression, ability status, profession, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status in the learning and working environment of DGHI and to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all individuals to the overall mission of DGHI.
The committee’s top priorities include:
- Promoting awareness regarding diversity & inclusion topics
- Hosting events such as listening sessions, lecture series and cultural events
- Receiving feedback from the DGHI and Duke communities on improvement
Upcoming Events
- DGHI Diversity and Inclusion Committee Reception on Wednesday, September 20 from 4:00 to 5:30pm will give the DGHI community an opportunity to meet members of the committee and network with others who are committed to diversity and inclusion issues at DGHI, Duke and beyond.
- DGHI Cultural Series: Discussion about the book Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine on Friday, September 29 from 12:00 to 1:00pm will include a discussion about the book by Duke’s own Dr. Damon Tweedy that examines the complex ways in which both black doctors and patients must navigate the difficult and often contradictory terrain of race and medicine.
- Traveling While Brown or as a Sexual or Gender Minority on Tuesday, October 17 from 12:00 to 1:00pm will include presentations from Visa Services representatives on the practicalities related to registering your travel, health insurance issues and tips for staying safe. This event will also include a panel of individuals who will talk about both the challenges and rewards of traveling to countries as a minority.
- LGBTI Film Screening: “Call Me Kuchu” on Tuesday, November 14 from 5:30 to 7:30pm will include a screening of the film and discussion about the human rights abuses that sexual and gender minorities face around the world. The film depicts the last year in the life of David Kato, Uganda’s first openly gay man, and retired Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, as they work against the clock to defeat state sanctioned homophobia.
Learn more about the DGHI Diversity and Inclusion Committee and its members.
