Following the lead of change-makers and innovators in the field of nutrition and dietetics, the Department of Nutritional Sciences echoes the need for addressing systemic racism, lack of cultural humility, and the under representation by persons of color in membership and leadership as discussed in the recent New York Times article, Is American Dietetics a White-Bread World? These Dietitians Think So, and Consumer Reports article, Bridging the Divide in Dietetics. Reimagining and moving toward a practice that is more inclusive, anti-racist, and humble begins with a deep dive within, followed by commitment and effort to change. Examining our student data on race and ethnicity from the past five years, the Dietetics Program Committee convened and generated strategies to recruit and retain a more diverse student body. As a first step to meeting this goal, the Dietetics Program Committee will complete Supporting Equitable Dietetics Education, a self-study by Diversify Dietetics, which focuses on supporting diverse, inclusive and equitable educational spaces, and identity reflection exercises.
We look forward to this opportunity of self-reflection and awareness of identity. We would like to thank our colleagues for writing these articles. We are grateful for your time and leadership.