Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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

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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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Diversity Symposium

Diversity Symposium

Diversity Leadership Institute

Diversity Leadership Institute

DEI Leadership Network

DEI Leadership Network

Latest Data

Latest Data

LAMP℠ Survey

LAMP℠ Survey

<br/>Professional Development


Professional Development

Holistic Admissions

Holistic Admissions

DEI Tool Kit

DEI Tool Kit

<br/>Grant Support


Grant Support

News & Calls to Action


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.


Call for Abstracts Deadline Extended for 2024 Diversity Symposium
September 8, 2023

Join AACN in unlocking the power of nursing's PEARLS! Share your innovative programs and strategies that address the changing landscape of academic nursing. Submit abstracts on topics for diversity, equity, and inclusion, student success, faculty diversity, DEI initiatives, and health equity experiences. Submissions are due September 18 at 5:00 pm (ET). 


AACN Statement on Upcoming Conference Locations
August 15, 2023

AACN applauds the robust and open dialogue about the upcoming AACN conferences in Florida, that is currently underway in our online discussion community. These discussions are extremely helpful to us as we consider how to move forward with programming in states with an anti-DEI legislative environment. Read AACN’s statement about upcoming conference locations. 


Diversity Digest: Summer 2023 Edition
July 28, 2023
In this edition of Diversity Digest, see the featured article, Nurses as Advocates for LGBTQIA+ Policy Change, and read about this quarter's school spotlight, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.


AACN Statement on the Supreme Court Decision Against Race-Conscious Admissions
June 29, 2023
Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admissions practices used at Harvard and the University of North Carolina were unconstitutional, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The 6-3 decision has reversed decades of progress to ensure equal access to education for all. Removal of racial considerations oppresses people of color and puts the onus on colleges to develop race-neutral programs that advance diversity.


AACN Response to the Legislative Actions Impacting DEI
June 2, 2023
AACN continues to monitor legislative action impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the country, and we stand firm in our commitment to our nursing schools and to the overarching goal of ensuring equitable health care for all people. To achieve that goal, we will continue to champion DEI while promoting the development of a more diverse and inclusive student, staff, and faculty population. 


AACN Statement on Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academic Nursing
April 19, 2023
As the collective voice for academic nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) stands firm in our commitment to meeting current and future healthcare needs. An expanding body of research shows the importance of a diverse and inclusive nursing workforce for reducing health disparities, addressing social determinants of health, and improving patient outcomes.


New Culture and Climate Survey for Schools of Nursing
March 1, 2023
Sign up now for AACN’s Leading Across Multidimensional Perspectives (LAMP℠) Culture and Climate Survey that can assess the experiences of diverse students, faculty, and staff at nursing schools and identify practices that facilitate student success and a sense of belonging.

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Upcoming Conference


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Diversity Symposium

February 5-7, 2024 | New Orleans, LA

Pre-Conference
DEILN Pre-Conference

Register Now

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

Featured On-Demand Webinars


Legislation Restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Harms Nursing Workforce Development - Aired June 1, 2023

Access and Success - Aired January 11, 2022

Education and Scholarship - Aired January 19, 2022

Climate & Intergroup Relations - Aired January 26, 2022


Recent DEI Award Winners


Small/Liberal Arts Colleges Award: University of South Carolina Upstate
 

University of South Carolina Upstate
 

Private Colleges and Universities: Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University

Academic Health Centers Award: University of Florida

University of Florida

Visit Award 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.