Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

AACN is a primary advocate for advancing diversity and inclusivity within academic nursing.

Photo of the Supreme Court Building
Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action:
The National Response and Resources to Move Forward

On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admissions practices are unconstitutional, ending decades of support for considering race as a factor in college admission decisions. To help schools understand the impact of this decision and adapt their efforts focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, AACN has created this new resource page.

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ACE Symposium

ACE Symposium

DEI Leadership Network

DEI Leadership Network

LAMP℠ Survey

LAMP℠ Survey

Diversity Leadership Institute

Diversity Leadership Institute

Holistic Admissions

Holistic Admissions

Latest Data

Latest Data

Webinars

Webinars

DEI Tool Kit

DEI Tool Kit

DEI Workshops

DEI Workshops

News & Calls to Action

Diversity Digest: Fall 2024 Edition
October 28, 2024

The Diversity Digest is a quarterly newsletter highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives launched by AACN and member schools of nursing. This issue includes the featured spotlight on Championing Health Equity: UTHSC College of Nursing's Pioneering Policies, Practices, and Partnerships. It also includes information about the upcoming Access, Connection, and Engagement Symposium.



Join Us for a Webinar on Disability Inclusion in Nursing Education
August 27, 2024

AACN is partnering with DocsWithDisabilities Initiative (DWDI) and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) for the webinar "Aligning Nursing Technical Standards for Disability Inclusion" on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 12:00-1:00 pm (ET). Hear from experts Dr. Lisa Meeks, Brandy Jackson, and Anne Lewis as we explore how nursing programs can align their technical standards with advancements in education and technology to ensure a more inclusive learning environment. Register now.


AACN Recognizes Loyola University Chicago with an Inclusive Excellence, Belonging, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Award
August 8, 2024

AACN is pleased to announce that the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University Chicago has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Inclusive Excellence, Belonging, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Award. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to recognize nursing schools for successfully meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population and for cultivating a sense of belonging in nursing.


Diversity Digest: Summer 2024 Edition
July 29, 2024
This edition features an insightful article on trauma-informed care, a spotlight on the University of Maine School of Nursing, and information about the new LAMPSM Culture and Climate Survey. Plus, explore the training and consultation services offered by the AACN DEI Team and a special message from our Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.


Combatting Racism in Nursing Education
April 15, 2024
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National League for Nursing are resolute in our commitment to addressing racism in nursing education while upholding the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. We stand together against attacks to censor and dismantle programs that educate students and nursing providers about all forms of racism and promote inclusion.


Rounds with Leadership: Building a Culture of Belonging
February 28, 2024
Discover how fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic nursing environments cultivates a sense of belonging crucial for student success and workforce diversity. Explore the latest findings from AACN's Leading Across Multidimensional Perspectives (LAMP) Culture and Climate Survey, revealing disparities in perceptions among students, faculty, and staff.


Nursing Administration Quarterly Article - Academic Leadership for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
February 14, 2024
In the January/March 2024 issue of Nursing Administration Quarterly, Dr. Felesia Bowen from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and colleagues published an article titled Academic Leadership for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The article describes the creation, launch, and evaluation of an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in an academic nursing institution. Lessons learned are shared to assist other schools in their own journey to establish a DEI structure within their programs, especially one with a robust academic-practice partnership.


AACN Launches New Culture and Climate Survey to Assess Inclusive Learning Environments in Schools of Nursing
February 1, 2024

AACN has launched a new survey instrument to assist nurse educators in their work to create inclusive learning environments where all students have a strong sense of belonging and purpose. 


AACN Receives New Grant to Combat Racism through Nursing Education
January 25, 2024

The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing, a groundbreaking initiative of the American Nurses Association, has awarded funding to AACN to better prepare nurses to address racism in academic and clinical settings.


Diversity Digest: Winter 2024 Edition
January 18, 2024

The Diversity Digest is a quarterly newsletter highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives launched by AACN and member schools of nursing. This issue includes the featured article "Creating Safe and Inclusive Space" by Julia M. Steed et al. and a school spotlight on Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing. It also includes information about the Community Donation Drive and objectives of the 2024 Diversity Symposium, awards and opportunities in DEI, and a message from AACN's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. 


Diversity Digest: Fall 2023 Edition
October 19, 2023

This edition features "The Quest for Inclusive Excellence" by Susan A. Goncalves, a School Spotlight on the University of Kentucky's Health Equity Internship program, details on the 2024 Diversity Symposium in New Orleans, opportunities to apply for the Inclusive Excellence in Nursing Education Award, and resources related to the AACN SCOTUS Decision. Additionally, it includes information on the Barriers and Belief Systems Webinar Series and a message from AACN's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.

 

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Congratulations to the 2024 Award Recipient!

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University 

Learn More About the School

Monograph

New Monograph on Belongingness in Academic Nursing

Discover practical strategies to enhance engagement in academic nursing. AACN's latest monograph, "Building a Culture of Belonging," provides actionable recommendations for schools to foster a positive culture among students, faculty, and staff. Learn how aligning values with actions can lead to a more positive student experience, increased faculty engagement, and long-term success.

Download Monograph PDF

Featured Webinar Series

Exploring the Barriers to Inclusion for Nurses with Disabilities

Johns Hopkins University, DOCS with Disabilities Initiative, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Josiah Macy Foundation
The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation hosted a 3-part series of webinars for nurse educators on Exploring the Barriers to Inclusion for Nurses with Disabilities in partnership with AACN, the Docs With Disabilities Initiative, and the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center. See links below for webinar recordings, slide decks, and evaluation forms.

Webinar 1: Nurses with Disabilities in Training and Practice

Webinar 2: Removing Admissions Barriers for Nurses with Disabilities: Addressing Technical Standards

Webinar 3: Addressing Disability Accommodations and Inclusion through a DEI Lens

For additional resources, visit the Macy Foundation page

Videos


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The Importance of Holistic Admissions Workshops

Dr. Deborah Jones of the University of Texas Medical Branch explains the benefits of Holistic Admissions workshops, and the importance of "putting action behind the vision" when it comes to diversity among nursing students, and inclusion in the admissions process.

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Why Enhancing Diversity is Important in Nursing Education

Dr. Jean Giddens from Virginia Commonwealth University discusses the importance and need for diversity at schools of nursing. She also highlights how they were able to adopt holistic admissions through faculty workshops and their new strategic plan.