Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is an area of immense focus for NECO. The college has made huge strides in establishing a DEI&B program that serves and impacts students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the optometric community at large.

As an institution, we are steadfast in adhering to the legal framework established by the courts and NECO remains unwavering in our commitment to addressing the disparities in optometry access for individuals from marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other under-represented populations. our goal is to effectively meet the diverse needs of all patients. NECO deeply values the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity in our optometry college and we will continue to foster an environment that encourages students from all backgrounds to pursue a career in optometry.

Our DEI&B program is driven by the DEI&B Strategic Plan for the college, a four-year plan that drives our initiatives and goals from four main priorities:

Priority One is to diversify the student body, focusing on historically marginalized groups currently underrepresented within NECO, at the student level as well as within our faculty, staff, and even our Board of Trustees where we strive to increase representation.

Priority Two is focused on learning, in which we will increase education and awareness around DEI&B, engage and challenge the community in effort to expand cultural competencies and equity practices across the college.

Priority Three aims to focus on fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity for all components and constituents of NECO.

Priority Four focuses on efforts to position NECO as a DEI thought leader in the field of optometry, to strengthen NECO’s position as a leader in optometry locally, nationally, and globally.

These four priorities and the goals, initiatives and programs that fall within them are driving forces of all our DEI&B efforts.

With the establishment of the Association for Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity

(ABIDE) Council, comprised of faculty and staff members of representation across the college and clinics, the partnership of this Council and the DEI program with our student body, we have addressed many of the action items within the four main priorities of the strategic plan.

The establishment of a monthly discussion series, the Open DEI.alogue Series, which is held for students, faculty & staff, and the leadership team, provides an avenue through which constituents at different levels can build relationship with their peers, practice and hone civil discourse and communication skills as they relate to DEI&B topics, and feel connected to each other and the college through a regular avenue for sharing and learning from and with one another. Additionally, the DEI program has established regular, monthly opportunities to gather through cultural and heritage related events, discussions, and learning opportunities.

While there is much work to be done, our program continues to address and align with the overall mission of NECO to change the way people see the world!