Redefining Diversity in Broader Multicultural Terms

The P&S Office of Diversity is now the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Previously focused on underrepresented minority affairs, the office now has a broader reach and the new name reflects the change.

The office is now a place where students throughout the medical center can organize activities that will allow them to experience, celebrate, and appreciate the cultures of their classmates, patients, and neighbors.

Since last fall, Dr. Hutcherson, MD, P&S associate dean for diversity and multicultural affairs and professor of obstetrics & gynecology, and her team have reached out to several student cultural and spiritual groups, offering to cosponsor events. Most of the programming ideas originate with student groups; the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs then provides funding and assistance with planning, promoting, and running the event.

Recent events supported by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs have included a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, presented by the South Asian Health Sciences Association; a talk on Jewish medical ethics, sponsored by the Medical Center Jewish Association; and a talk on trans health, presented by the Lambda Health Alliance.

In addition to supporting events hosted by existing groups, the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs supports new events, including this spring’s theatrical production called “Me Too Monologues.” Student actors brought to life personal stories centered on concepts of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, religion, class, and nationality that medical center students had submitted anonymously.

Read the full story and watch the “Me Too Monologues” here.