Review of Best Practices for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees Within Colleges of Pharmacy

Abstract

Objective. To provide a review of best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committees at United States colleges of pharmacy.Findings. In colleges of pharmacy, DEI committees can play a crucial role in promoting a culture change to ensure pharmacy graduates are equipped to provide equitable and representative care for the patients they serve. There is limited literature available on DEI committee composition, roles, and responsibilities, and their place within a college of pharmacy's organizational structure. A commitment to DEI should be part of the college's strategic plan and embedded and supported at all levels of the college and university to ensure success of DEI-related strategic initiatives. For a DEI committee to be effective, its composition should be intentional to include change agents, campus leaders, and members who are passionate and knowledgeable to execute the DEI goals. For sustainable change, involvement of the entire learning community and an organizational culture change is also important. Thus, DEI committees need to establish active bidirectional collaborations and communication with all key committees, offices, community leaders, and alumni to implement diversity goals.Summary. The DEI committee's established place in the organizational structure of the college is essential to ensure fair and appropriate representation of the community it serves. A clearly defined DEI committee with committee composition, roles, responsibilities, and its association with all constituents of the college and community can help achieve its intended strategic goals.

Keywords: colleges of pharmacy; diversity; equity; inclusion.