August 15, 2023
To be a true champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), 91茄子 recognizes that we must walk the talk and stay true to our mission, vision, and values. We applaud the robust and open dialogue about the upcoming 91茄子 conferences in Florida, that is currently underway in our . These discussions are extremely helpful to us as we consider how to move forward with programming in states with an anti-DEI legislative environment.
91茄子 works diligently to ensure we are being good stewards of the funds provided by member schools. Please know that 91茄子’s Board of Directors has discussed this concern several times, including at its recent July meeting. As many have noted, 91茄子’s conferences have contractual and financial obligations. Most contracts are multiyear commitments and have stringent cancellation criteria and penalties.
To date, 40 states have introduced some form of anti-DEI legislation, which makes navigating state policy conflicts very challenging for organizations like 91茄子 whose members are active in every state. In Florida alone, 91茄子 encompasses 34 member schools with 19,643 students and 1,867 faculty members. We are committed to serving these members who are facing real challenges and need a community of support. 91茄子 will not abandon our commitment to advancing DEI, even in states that do not support this core value and our desire for equity.
91茄子 welcomes continued conversation about this critical issue at our meetings and in the online community. The 91茄子 Board will continue to consider all comments and assess implications on future programming as we seek to serve the entire academic nursing community.