A Message from Vice President Kimberly Hewitt Regarding the Recent Violence and Anti-Asian Hate Incidents
We are deeply saddened and angered by the recent tragedy in Atlanta, Georgia where six Asian women, Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng and two others, Paul Andre Michels and Delaina Ashley Yaun, were murdered. The mistreatment of Mario Gonzalez, husband of victim Delaina Ashley Yaun, represents another example of the deep and complex culture of racism that exists in our society. After surviving this horrendous event, police officers held Mr. Gonzalez as a suspect for four hours before he was released and informed about his wife’s fate. We recognize that this outcome was not unanticipated because Anti-Asian hate and racism exists throughout American history going back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 — the first and only major federal legislation to explicitly suspend immigration for a specific nationality, Japanese Relocation — Executive Order 9066 in 1942, to the present, where racist rhetoric targeting Asian people has been emboldened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is incumbent upon all of us to educate ourselves, to step up in support of the Asian members of our community, and to speak out against hate and violence. The mistreatment, violence and marginalization of Asian members of the community is an act of violence and mistreatment against us all. Please see our resources page where we have added some additional information related to Anti-Asian racism. March 23, 2021
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. Read article in Duke Today.
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting. Practicing Muslim students, staff, and faculty will be fasting from dawn until dusk (approx. 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM). Fasting means NO FOOD and NO WATER. Ramadan celebrations often involve...
We invite you to join us for this intergenerational and intersectional town hall bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the legal, medical, emotional, and policy implications of the new proposed legislation in NC and...
Seven Honored by Cook Society for Service To Duke and the Wider Community
Each year, the Samuel DuBois Cook Society recognizes community members who follow Doctor Cook's example of social activism and leadership. This year's celebration will was held virtually on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 and honored the following: Charles Becton, De’Ja Wood, Michael Cary Jr., Nolan Smith, Tom Bonfield, Ajenai Clemmons, and Richard Powell.
Duke University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is focused on the safety of staff, faculty, students, health care providers, and the public we serve. Out of an abundance of caution, the Office for Institutional Equity will hold all OIE investigations remotely via Zoom.
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.
Duke is proactive in its efforts to address and reduce instances of sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, in order to create and maintain a welcoming learning and working environment. It’s our responsibility to ensure compliance with federal law by demonstrating that our programs are operated in a manner consistent with Title VII and Title IX regulations and provisions, as well as the Violence Against Women Act.
Duke University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is focused on the safety of staff, faculty, students, health care providers, and the public we serve. Out of an abundance of caution, the Office for Institutional Equity will hold all OIE workshops and meetings remotely via Zoom.
Duke is committed to support its diverse community by providing a variety of training and workshops designed to help Duke staff comply with university regulations related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, and equal opportunity. The Office for Institutional Equity also offers customized workshops on intercultural education and building cultural competence, anti-racism, the power of diversity, unconscious bias, applied skills in conflict avoidance and resolution, and more. In addition, we provide resources and support specific to the Duke Health community.
Duke University Health System Educational Diversity Education
⚠ NOTICE
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.
Affirmative Action Programs, Inclusive Hiring & Promotion Practices and Data Gathering
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.
Equity in Action is a monthly newsletter with updates from OIE, Duke, and beyond about diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, history, health, you name it!
