The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) attributes its unique, internationally admired academic environment, in part, to the diversity of its student body, faculty, and staff.
The SVM adheres to the university’s philosophy that diversity of students, faculty, and staff has a positive influence on the educational process and contributes substantially to the quality of programs and graduates. Diversity among members of the veterinary medical community will result in a profession better able to respond to the varied and changing needs of society.
One of the school’s fundamental principles is to foster a climate of diversity and inclusivity that is infused with high ethical standards, professionalism, and compassion. The SVM is also resolved to create teaching and learning environments that support the success of a diverse and high-caliber student population. Learn more about the school’s strategic priorities.
Support the school's DEI initiatives
Questions?
Contact Richard Barajas, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at barajas@wisc.edu or (608) 263-2488.
Building Community at the SVM
Leading, Learning, and Loving
A mural, titled Leading, Learning, and Loving, was commissioned by the school in the spring of 2022. Artist Tia Richardson, based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, led a series of collaborative design workshops with the SVM community which inspired the final piece. Members of the SVM community and participants of the Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit also helped paint the initial stages of the mural. Learn more.
Get Involved
VOICE Chapter at UW-Madison
The primary goals of Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE), both nationally and locally, are to increase the social awareness and education of veterinary students in subjects related to — but not limited to — social justice, diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. Members of the UW-Madison chapter strive to create an environment within the SVM that embraces diversity and promotes the success of ALL students.
Pride SVMC
Pride SVMC provides education and a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and friends within the school. Pride SVMC strives to make veterinary schools more inclusive for all students, especially LGBTQIA+ students via the initiation of important and courageous conversations about inclusion, while maintaining support for students who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community within the veterinary medical profession.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee advises the dean on the status of underutilized groups, particularly with respect to recruitment, retention, and conditions in the workplace; creating opportunities for discussion about diversity-related issues; increasing the understanding of the SVM culture as it relates to diversity and inclusivity; serving as a departmental or unit resource on equity and diversity issues; reviewing hiring practices and policies and proposing amendments to such practices and policies when appropriate; and providing venues to honor and celebrate differences.
The UW School of Veterinary Medicine is steadfastly committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and supporting all of our students, faculty and staff. We are proud of the school’s efforts to advance these critical initiatives, but we know we can and must do better.
We encourage all in the SVM community to explore personal ways to understand and address racism and champion diversity, equity and inclusion. Listed below are a variety of resources to learn, listen and take action.
- UW School of Veterinary Medicine DEI Strategic Plan (2021)
- Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Message and Resources from SVM VOICE (Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment) Executive Board
- American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Resources
- Black DVM Network
- Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association
- Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine (American Veterinary Medical Association)
- Pride Veterinary Medical Community (VMC)
- Programs and Services to Support Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Faculty and Staff Diversity and Inclusion Resources
- UW–Madison Diversity Inventory
- Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement Resources for White Allies
- Addressing Racism, Equity and Diversity in the Sciences
- Multicultural Student Center
- UW Public History Project
- Ebling Library #blacklivesmatter resources for all
- Understanding Unconscious Bias
- Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
- McBurney Disability Resource Center
- Building Inclusive AI: Strategies for Training Against Racism (AI Forward)
- Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit Resources (AAMC)
- 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice (Corinne Shutack)
- Anti-Racism Resources (Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein)
- 158 Resources for Understanding Systemic Racism in America (Smithsonian)
- This List Of Books, Films And Podcasts About Racism Is A Start, Not A Panacea (NPR’s Code Switch)
- Discussing Racism With Children (Madison Metropolitan School District)
We affirm the value of human diversity for the enrichment of the community and believe diversity fosters a climate conducive to success for all members of the veterinary medical education community. We confront and reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, political beliefs, geographic, socioeconomic, and educational background or any other differences that have led to misunderstanding, hostility and injustice.
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges principles of inclusion