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.
As the principles of inclusion from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges state:
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.
Contact Richard Barajas, UW School of Veterinary Medicine Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
SVM and Veterinary Medical Profession Resources
- UW School of Veterinary Medicine Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan (2021)
- Learn more about the school's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- UW School of Veterinary Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund
- Veterinary Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship Fund
- Message and Resources from SVM VOICE (Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment) Executive Board
- Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association
- Black DVM Network
- American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Resources
- Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine (American Veterinary Medical Association)
UW-Related Resource Links
- Statement from Chancellor Rebecca Blank (5/31/20)
- Statement from Patrick Sims, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity & Inclusion (6/1/20)
- Message from Wisconsin Alumni Association in Response to Racial Injustice (6/3/20)
- UW-Madison Programs and Services to Support Students, Faculty, and Staff
- UW-Madison Faculty and Staff Diversity and Inclusion Resources
- UW–Madison Diversity Inventory
- Resources for White Allies from the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement
- Addressing Racism, Equity and Diversity in the Sciences
- UW-Madison Multicultural Student Center
- UW Public History Project
- UW Ebling Library #blacklivesmatter resources for all
Resources from the Community
- 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)
June 2020 Letter from SVM VOICE Executive Board
To our community,
The VOICE (Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment) Club shows our support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Our mission is to promote awareness of and respect for the differences and intersectionalities among all individuals and communities in the field of veterinary medicine; to provide an environment that embraces diversity; and to promote student success (particularly of underrepresented students). In order to accomplish this, it is important that our community recognizes that Black Lives Matter and acknowledges their unique challenges. It is imperative that we all educate ourselves and continuously try to do better. We encourage dialogue, education, and empathy. (View the full letter and resources.)
Contact Richard Barajas, UW School of Veterinary Medicine Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
"Each of us – particularly those of us who do not face the daily challenge of living amid inequity and injustice – must contribute to and lead the change that is needed. There are many ways to become more aware and involved."
Chancellor Rebecca Blank