RSDM Leads New RBHS Diversity Effort
A program coordinated by Dr. Herminio Perez, RSDM’S Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion, is focused on creating a group of leaders throughout Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) who can advocate for equity, understanding and inclusion.
The Building Bridges for Impact & Growth program, funded by an RBHS IDEA Innovation grant from the RBHS Vice Chancellor’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion, gives participants tools to identify barriers to diversity and inclusion within their own RBHS communities and formulate their own strategies for change. Dr. Perez developed the program in collaboration with Vice Dean Dr. Kim Fenesy and Associate Dean for Admissions Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran.
“The first step is initiating the conversation,’’ said Dr. Perez, who is principal investigator of the grant. “There is a need for real conversation in a safe space where participants have a sense of belonging.’’
As part of the program, which began in the fall, the group of seven members discussed material that included “Diversity’s Promise for Higher Education: Making it Work,’’ by Daryl G. Smith and TED Talks by the authors of “How to be Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi and “White Fragility” by Robin D’Angelo. Both explore the origins and impact of systemic racism and how individuals and institutions can work to dismantle it.
“Marginalized and underrepresented minority groups continue to be excluded from opportunities in higher education,’’ said Dr. Perez. “This is particularly evident in the STEM and healthcare areas where challenges and barriers persist.’’
Rather than prescribe a blanket strategy for participants, the program provides a framework and context for each leader to determine the needs of their own institutions and find solutions that are most likely to be successful for them, said. Dr. Perez. The goal is to bridge divides between and among students, staff and faculty.
The program encourages participants to value their own personal experiences and perspectives while empathizing with others and staying mindful of the overarching goals of their institutions. “It involves making changes in yourself and learning how to communicate with others,’’ said Dr. Perez. “It’s a way of also helping you see the view from the balcony.’’
While the program wraps up on April 15, there will be a second cohort in the fall and the current group will continue to seek support, feedback and context from the larger group as they develop plans within their own communities.
Dr. Perez stressed the value of different RBHS units working together and pooling knowledge. “We want to have a collaborative impact between all the different units.’’
In addition to Dr. Perez, steering committee members for the RBHS-wide effort include Drs. Jose Centeno of the Rutgers School of Health Professions, Nancy Cintron of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Dr. Teri Lassiter o the Rutgers School of Public Health, RSDM Vice Dean Dr. Kim Fenesy, Associate Dean for Admissions Rosa Chaviano-Moran.
