As a part of The University of Kansas Medical Center, the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment that nurtures the growth and development of all our students, faculty, staff, research volunteers, and patients.
The KU ADRC recognizes that diversity strengthens the fabric of our community, stitching together a variety of cultures, life experiences, viewpoints and expertise.
Our science and work environment are healthier and more productive because of our diversity in age, education level, ethnicity and race, gender expression and identity, nationality, nation or community of origin, life and family experiences, physical and mental abilities, political and religious perspectives, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status and our other human differences.
Our growing organization is working towards equity, diversity, and inclusion to ensure everyone feels valued, accepted, respected and empowered to be part of our team.
The KU ADRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion by actively fostering an environment that propels antiracism and anti-discrimination, and asks us each to step outside our comfort zones.
Our policies and practice must proactively oppose discrimination, acknowledging that discrimination of all types can be conscious, but also unconscious, implicit, systemic, or unintentional.
Identifying discrimination does not automatically mean those involved are racist, homophobic, sexist, ageist or have negative intent. Open and honest conversations reinforce our commitment to an organization that is anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.
As an organization that is committed to be at the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at KUMC, we will:
- Support and maintain an employee-led team for Justice through Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to advocate for antiracism and anti-discrimination policies, procedures, activities, trainings, and experiences.
- Mindfully and intentionally serve one another and our community to support, uplift and empower through regular community service days.
- Use the financial power of the KU ADRC to create positive change in our community; seeking out and supporting diverse businesses with our funds.
- Maintain ongoing conversations among ourselves and our community to remain progressive about our community’s needs.
- Commit to making changes that are consistent with KUMC policy and support the institutional goals regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Make a financial and mentorship commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive trainee pool through equitable and engaged practices that recognize individual needs.
Pursuing a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace is consistent with our core values of doing meaningful work, innovating, improving and empowering our community of scientists, students, volunteers, team members and community partners.
