Andre Churchwell
Celebrated novelist Dinaw Mengestu challenges American exceptionalism in MLK Commemorative keynote
Jan. 19, 2021—Ethiopian American novelist Dinaw Mengestu gave an impassioned personal view of growing up in an immigrant family in the United States during his keynote address for this year’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative event, hosted in partnership with the Vanderbilt Chancellor’s Lecture Series.
University leaders reflect on life of community activist Kwame Lillard, frequent contributor to Vanderbilt’s MLK Series
Jan. 14, 2021—Vanderbilt leaders are reflecting on the life and legacy of veteran civil rights activist Kwame Lillard, who died Dec. 20 in Nashville. As recently as January 2020, Lillard shared his firsthand experiences in the civil rights movement with Vanderbilt students as part of the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series.
Vanderbilt medical student uses ‘design thinking’ to help overcome racial discrimination in health care
Dec. 18, 2020—A Vanderbilt medical student credits the strong focus on design thinking in the Medical Innovators Development Program with his leadership role in an international competition to promote racial equity in health care.
Health equity’s role in pandemic response crucial
Dec. 16, 2020—In March, Vanderbilt University Medical Center leaders established a command center on campus to address the myriad issues that the Medical Center would face in the coming days, weeks and months as the COVID-19 pandemic encroached on Tennessee, then Nashville and finally on campus.
EDI, HR launch guidelines for Employee Affinity Groups
Dec. 7, 2020—The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in partnership with Human Resources, has announced a new framework to establish, manage and sustain university-supported Employee Affinity Groups, which are designed to help foster a positive work environment at Vanderbilt and support the university’s values specific to diversity, inclusion and campus engagement.
Gender Affirmation Toolkit supports inclusivity for Vanderbilt employees
Dec. 3, 2020—Vanderbilt University has launched the Gender Affirmation Toolkit to reinforce its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive working environment for all employees. The toolkit was developed in collaboration with the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, the Equal Opportunity and Access Office, the Office of LGBTQI Life and other campus partners.
‘The History of African Americans in Medicine’ topic of two-part Flexner Deans’ Lecture Dec. 7, 14
Dec. 1, 2020—P. Preston Reynolds, a physician-historian at the University of Virginia, will give an online talk, “The History of African Americans in Medicine,” on Monday, Dec. 7, beginning at noon CT. Reynolds will return to join a panel of Vanderbilt faculty to discuss “The History of African Americans in Medicine: Abraham Flexner, Racism and Vanderbilt” on Monday, Dec. 14, also beginning at noon CT.
‘A Conversation on Eliminating Racial Disparities in Public Safety’ set for Dec. 2
Nov. 29, 2020—Vice Chancellor André Churchwell, Vice Provost William H. Robinson and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor August Washington will discuss Vanderbilt University's role in eliminating racial disparities in public safety in an online event on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Vanderbilt disability inclusion programs receive national recognition
Nov. 13, 2020—Several Vanderbilt diversity and inclusion programs are spotlighted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs on a list of disability and inclusion resources meeting the agency’s criteria.
Vanderbilt announces University Diversity Council members for 2020–21
Oct. 28, 2020—Vanderbilt University has announced the University Diversity Council members for 2020-21. Formed last year, the council advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion across all areas of Vanderbilt.
Reunion classes of 2020 recognized with virtual celebration
Oct. 23, 2020—Vanderbilt University hosted a virtual celebration on Oct. 21, recognizing the Reunion classes of 2020 with a special toast. The event served as a prelude to an on-campus celebration Vanderbilt will host next fall for all alumni whose Reunion year falls in 2020 or 2021.
Vanderbilt University to mark MLK Day as staff holiday starting in 2021
Oct. 23, 2020—Starting in 2021, Vanderbilt University will recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid staff holiday. The move aligns with efforts to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion on campus.