Focus on ‘Inclusive Excellence’ SOP task force transforms input into vigorous initiative to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion. BY CHRISTINE STUTZ
robust initiative to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is well under way, about three years after a task force was established. Led by Wendy Camelo Castillo, PhD, MD, MSc, assistant professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR), Amanda Oglesby, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences (PSC), and Chanel Whittaker, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, professor of P-SHOR, the 22-member task force, with representation from students, faculty, and staff, recommended priorities for bold initiatives benefiting the entire community.
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In a final report, the task force recommended several priorities for the School, including: • community building • community competence • community equity and accountability • community inclusion “This journey with EDI began in 2020, when a lot of organizations across industries were responding to structural racism and inequities that were brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic and the killing of George Floyd,” says Whittaker. The pharmacy profession, academia, and former