A Message to the Duke Community from Vice President Kimberly Hewitt
"We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." — James Baldwin
Our hearts are breaking over the tragic state of our country. The stress and pain of this time is overwhelming for many of us — people of color and allies. I write to simply acknowledge the moment and to remind you that the Office for Institutional Equity is here to support you. We are working diligently and consistently during this period of self-isolation to respond to your needs. Please contact us at 919-684-8222 or oie-help@duke.edu.
— Kimberly Hewitt, Vice President for Institutional Equity & Chief Diversity Officer
Read statement from President Price here
Statement on the Coronavirus and Treatment of Asian and Asian American Community Members
For the latest Duke University updates, see Duke's Coronavirus Response website, and for updates and resources from Duke Health, see COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) Update.
In this time of concern, we want to reinforce Duke values of diversity, respect and inclusion. We are aware that Asian, Asian American and other members of our University community may be targeted during this time based upon stereotypes and misconceptions about the COVID-19 virus. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment based upon your race, national origin or other protected identity, please contact the Office for Institutional Equity for assistance at 919-684-8222 or oie-help@duke.edu. You may also consider other Reporting Resources to address additional concerns.
Duke University Institutional Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Forbes has named Duke University one of the “Best Employers for Diversity” in 2020, the second consecutive year. Duke placed 8 out of 500 companies in the annual ranking, which Forbes released on January 21. Duke ranked first for companies headquartered in North Carolina and in the education industry. Learn More >
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We are here to help!
Complaints and Concerns
Duke is dedicated to creating a work and learning environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. If you have a concern about either of these issues, the Office for Institutional Equity is here to help. We can answer your questions, connect you to resources, or help you file a complaint. Duke policies prohibit retaliation against anyone for coming forward with a concern or for submitting a complaint.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Education
The Office for Institutional Equity offers tailored educational sessions for Duke deans, administrators, chairs, supervisors, managers, or directors. Topics include how to identify and respond to sexual harassment, dealing with retaliation, and the blurred line between misconduct and challenging behavior.
Request an Educational Session with Our Online Form
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The equal opportunity and affirmative action (EO/AA) area offers university-wide guidance on Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act. We also serve as the university's liaison to the federal government in matters of contract compliance concerning equal employment opportunity. EO/AA develops the university's Affirmative Action Plan, oversees its implementation, and reviews employee recruitment, hiring, and other personnel actions.
Diversity and Inclusion Services
We work with Duke leaders, managers, faculty, staff, and administrators to help them build a healthy, thriving work environment where all team members feel valued and respected. Our trainings, workshops, presentations, and strategy design services empower learners to work effectively with those who have different worldviews, perspectives, backgrounds, values, and experiences.
Request Training with Our Online Intake Form
Duke University Health System Educational Diversity Education
Until further notice, the Duke University Health System (DUHS) Diversity Education for Staff course has been postponed. OIE is working to develop alternative tools to continue to help health care workers become aware of unconscious biases and stereotypes that may influence their ability to provide patient-centered care. We will update our pages as resources become available.
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