Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Message from the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence

Mar. 30, 2020—Vanderbilt continues to be committed to fostering a safe and welcoming community that is inclusive and respectful of differences. As a university, Vanderbilt condemns expressions of hate, bias and discrimination in all forms.

Participants at the unconscious bias train-the-trainer workshop (John Russell/Vanderbilt University)

University launches new series of unconscious bias workshops

Nov. 22, 2019—In support of Vanderbilt’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion on campus, the university has announced a new series of educational workshops on unconscious bias. The workshops are customized to meet the unique needs of and issues affecting the Vanderbilt community.

Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Churchwell establishes Diversity Liaison Committee to scale best practices across university

Nov. 15, 2019—Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. André L. Churchwell has established a new committee charged with helping to foster equity, diversity and inclusion within each functional area at Vanderbilt.

16 individuals from across the university participated in an unconscious bias train-the-trainer workshop over four days at Scarritt Bennet Center (John Russell/Vanderbilt University)

Staff and faculty from across VU participate in four-day unconscious bias workshop

Oct. 18, 2019—The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence hosted an intensive, four-day unconscious bias workshop for 16 faculty and staff members, equipping them to support others in fostering a culture of care, respect, inclusion and belonging at Vanderbilt.

Unconscious Bias training with university leadership. Chancellor Wente, the Vice Chancellors and Deans gathered for a training on unconscious bias. Vanderbilt University (Anne Rayner/Vanderbilt)

Senior leaders participate in daylong unconscious bias education workshop

Aug. 30, 2019—Vanderbilt University’s senior leaders came together Aug. 28 for a daylong education workshop on unconscious bias. The event was conducted in support of the university’s commitment to embody the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and foster a culture of respect and belonging across campus.

Data strategist Jesse Tow joins Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Apr. 8, 2019—James E. Page Jr., Vanderbilt’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, has appointed Jesse Tow as data strategist for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Presents Angie Thomas at Langford Auditorium. (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt)

Vanderbilt celebrates Black History Month with dozens of events, programs and lectures

Mar. 1, 2019—More than a dozen lectures, programs, celebrations and gatherings took place across campus throughout the month of February to commemorate the nationally celebrated Black History Month.

Angie Thomas, best-selling author of ‘The Hate U Give,’ discusses art as activism

Feb. 15, 2019—Hundreds of Vanderbilt and Nashville community members gathered in Langford Auditorium Wednesday evening for a lecture hosted by Equity, Diversity and Inclusion featuring best-selling author Angie Thomas. Her talk spanned several topics, including art as a medium for activism and the events and experiences that prompted Thomas to write her debut novel, "The Hate U Give."

Best-selling author Angie Thomas to speak Feb. 13 in Langford Auditorium

Jan. 11, 2019—Tickets for "The Hate U Give" author Angie Thomas’ Feb. 13 lecture in Langford Auditorium are sold out; however, there will be a live stream available in Light Hall, Room 202, for those who were not able to procure a ticket. If seats become available in Langford on the night of the event, admission to the lecture for those without tickets will be available on a first-come basis.

Vice Chancellor James Page Jr. and Vice Provost Melissa Thomas-Hunt moderate a Dec. 6 town hall on diversity, equity and inclusion in the Student Life Center. (Vanderbilt)

Second town hall continues important conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion

Dec. 17, 2018—Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer James E. Page Jr., and Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence Melissa Thomas-Hunt hosted the second of two diversity town halls on Dec. 6. More than 100 members of the Vanderbilt community attended the 90-minute program, which was held in the Student Life Center Board...

Resources for recognizing and celebrating winter holidays within the Vanderbilt community

Dec. 7, 2018—The holidays provide an opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich and diverse tapestry of beliefs, cultures and traditions held by members of the Vanderbilt community and promote the values of generosity, community, inclusion and unity evident throughout.

‘The Hate U Give’ author to deliver Feb. 13 lecture; book discussion set for Jan. 31

Dec. 5, 2018—Angie Thomas, author of the best-selling young-adult novel "The Hate U Give," will deliver a keynote lecture to the Vanderbilt community on Feb. 13. In addition, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer James Page Jr. will host a discussion of the book on Jan. 31 in advance of her visit.