Diversity, equity and inclusion

Our commitment

At the Orvis School of Nursing, our definition of diversity embraces a broad range of identities and ancestral backgrounds, including those historically underrepresented within the nursing community. Diversity bridges all aspects of human differences, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to: 

  • race, ethnicity, creed, color,  
  • sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity,  
  • socio-economic status, caste  
  • language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality,  
  • age, (dis)ability,  
  • military/veteran status, 
  • political perspective, and 
  • associational preferences 

We recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical to nursing education and fundamental to developing a nursing workforce able to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate, and congruent health care in partnership with individuals, families, communities, and populations. We are committed to creating an accessible and supportive educational experience that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of academic excellence. We will continue our effort to create a richer understanding of the relationship between health and diversity by providing our students, alumni, faculty, and staff with knowledge and resources to promote awareness about vulnerable populations and other cultural issues impacting health. Our commitment also embraces an environment that supports all individuals and values diversity, equity, and inclusion for our entire community.

Statement on racism and bias

The Orvis School of Nursing unequivocally rejects white supremacy, racism, and other forms of hate and bias. We will work to dismantle racism and discrimination on campus, in our communities, and in society as part of our shared efforts to elevate humanity. We are committed to creating a campus community where all can work and learn freely, safely, and productively, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, economic status, veteran status, or ability.  

The Orvis School of Nursing is committed to promoting and protecting equity, diversity, and inclusion for our entire community. Our commitment embodies the intersectionality of the human experience and includes qualities such as race, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, first-generation status in higher education, economic status, and veteran status.  

We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for our diverse community, and we seek to promote these ideas through our teacher educators, human development professionals, and our counseling experts. To accomplish these critical goals, we integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion principles throughout our curriculum, which in turn yields world-class professionals who are most equipped to navigate these complicated topics.   

Diversity, equity and inclusion resources

University of Nevada, Reno Land Acknowledgement

"We acknowledge that the University of Nevada, Reno is situated on the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. These lands continue to be a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their deep connections to these places. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory."

Orvis School of Nursing would also like to acknowledge and extend our appreciation to the people who have lived on the traditional land and who are nurses.