Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Introduces New Discussion Cafés

A new series launches this fall in the form of a PVM Virtual Learning Café designed to foster discussion with the intent to enlighten, encourage, and inspire. Hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the first session will be held on Wednesday, September 30.

The monthly series, hosted on a Wednesday from 12:30 – 1:20 p.m., will include 50 minute, online discussions with the goal of developing opportunities to network around diverse topics related to cultural climate. Dr. Latonia Craig, PVM assistant dean for inclusive excellence, said the reasons for starting these cafés stemmed from the period of racial unrest our nation has faced in the past few months combined with a need for more opportunities within the college to speak on these subjects. “Our goal is to create an opportunity for dialogue,” Dr. Craig said. “When we talk to each other, we gain more perspective.”

This project received a generous donation from Joanne Troutner, a client of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. As a result of this support, a wide range of incentives, including books, will be available to the first 40 students and 20 faculty or staff members who attend the café sessions.

The initial discussion on Wednesday, September 30, led by Dr. Craig, will cover the topic, “Increasing Your Intercultural Competency.” The following sessions this fall include, “What If I Say the Wrong Thing? Strategies to Employ” on October 21 and “How to be An Ally” on November 18. Topics are based on feedback received from an interest survey sent to the PVM family this summer. The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plans to release the spring schedule in early November. A recording of the sessions will also be available on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website following the events.

Click here to register for any of the fall PVM Virtual Learning Cafés. Those registered will then receive a link to participate prior to the event.

Additionally, the Purdue University Division of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a series of distinguished guest speakers this fall.  The next virtual learning event will feature Ben Crump, civil rights attorney and lead attorney for the family of George Floyd on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. Click here to learn more and register.

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern, and Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Names New Assistant Dean for Administration

A key administrator in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has been appointed to a new leadership role. Leslie Martin, who currently serves as director of financial affairs, will become the assistant dean for administration, effective June 1.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week a group of Purdue students and trainees in the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab are being appreciated for their clear dedication to their research.

Asthmatic Horses can breathe easier thanks to Purdue Health and Human Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine

A collaboration between the Purdue University School of Health Sciences and the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine will enable horses to breathe easier. In turn, their human owners will too.

Awards and Presentations Highlight Scholarship of PVM Researchers

The importance of scientific discovery and the research contributions of veterinary students, graduate students, residents, and faculty alike, were recognized during the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual PVM Research Day this spring. During a day long program in Lynn Hall on April 15, PVM scholars shared research findings during lectures and poster presentations, and were honored with awards.