Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Committee

EDIB Word cloud with words such as Collaboration, Awareness, and RespectThe Department of Epidemiology’s EDIB committee is an advisory group consisting of a diverse membership of faculty, researchers, students, and staff who are committed to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the department in various ways.   

Working closely with department leadership, the committee has been meeting twice monthly as a group since it was established in the spring of 2021. The committee also consults regularly with the Harvard Chan School’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), to align priorities and goals. Member Tia Hira serves as the ODI Departmental Committee Liaison who participates in ongoing engagement and communication with ODI in key areas throughout the year. 

Timeline First Year Major Activities
May 2021 Conducted an initial department-wide climate survey. Read summary of key findings.
October 2021 Submitted Academic Year 2020-2021 EDIB Annual Report to ODI
November 2021 Submitted Academic Year 2022-2023 Priority Objectives to ODI
December 2021 Conducted a second department-wide survey collecting seminar speaker suggestions to help diversify the range of speakers that are considered for department seminars. 

Three priority areas were defined by the School’s ODI and are described in their 2021-2024 strategic plan Foundations for Sustainable Progress & Transformation: An Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan for the Harvard Chan School).

Departments were asked to use these areas as a guide when defining areas of focus, opportunities, and objectives. As a result, our committee came up with the following goals for the 2021-2022 Academic Year.

 

Questions? Email us (EPIDEPT@hsph.harvard.edu).