Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE), Building a Fair Community

Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE) are not just words. They are strong actions to make schools, colleges, and communities fair and safe for everyone. The goal of the IDARE program is to create a space where people from all backgrounds—especially those who have been ignored or treated unfairly in the past—can feel respected, supported, and successful. The plan is part of a larger mission to bring long-term change. This includes challenging racism, breaking down barriers, and ensuring everyone feels welcome. The school’s Strategic Plan and IDARE Action Plan work together to bring these goals to life.

Key Goals of the IDARE Strategy

• Creating a welcoming school environment
• Fighting against racism and unfair treatment
• Making sure everyone is treated with respect
• Helping each person reach their full potential
• Bringing fairness to every department and activity
• Involving every member of the community

Main IDARE Principles

• Being a Model Institution
  • The school aims to lead by example.
  • Other institutions should look at its progress and follow its steps.
• Shared Responsibility
  • Every person, not just people of color or Indigenous groups, must take part in the change.
• Providing Resources
  • Financial and staff support are given to carry out IDARE goals.
• Full Integration
  • IDARE ideas are part of every class, event, and plan.

Departments Involved in IDARE Work

Department	IDARE-Related Focus Areas
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology	Ensures equal access to lab roles, mentorship, and learning materials.
Biostatistics	Promotes diversity in data research and encourages inclusive studies.
Bioethics	Studies fairness in healthcare and research decision-making.
Environmental Health and Engineering	Works on equal health protection for all communities.
Health Policy and Management	Focuses on making policies that treat all groups fairly.
International Health	Addresses global health inequalities and ensures diverse research voices.
Mental Health	Brings mental health care to under-served groups and reduces stigma.
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology	Supports fair access to advanced research opportunities.
Population, Family and Reproductive Health	Fights for equal family and health rights.

The Role of the Office of IDARE

• Provides Leadership
  • The Office guides the school in reaching IDARE goals.
• Offers Resources
  • Books, videos, and events related to inclusion and anti-racism are shared.
• Supports Communication
  • The Office shares updates, land acknowledgements, and learning materials.
• Encourages Action
  • Events and programs help departments take part in change.
• Helps With Contact
  • Students, staff, and faculty can reach out with ideas or for help.

Main Offerings of the Office of IDARE

Service/Resource	Description
Land Acknowledgement	Recognizes Indigenous Peoples and their rights to the land.
IDARE Messages	Regular updates on anti-racism actions and inclusion goals.
Resource Sharing	Provides learning tools on equity and fairness.
Ongoing Initiatives	Includes school events, training programs, and department projects.
Contact Help	Offers direct support for IDARE concerns or suggestions.

Inclusion: Making Everyone Feel Welcome

• Inclusive Practices
  • Course content includes multiple cultures and perspectives.
  • Campus spaces are accessible and friendly for people of all abilities.
• Student Support
  • Clubs and organizations support students from different groups.
  • Events highlight different traditions and languages.

Diversity: Valuing Differences

• Hiring Goals
  • Faculty and staff from varied backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated.
• Admissions Focus
  • A fair process ensures students of all backgrounds have equal chances.
• Cultural Activities
  • Events share food, art, and traditions from many cultures.

Anti-Racism: Fighting Injustice

• Training Programs
  • Teachers and staff attend workshops on anti-racism.
• Policy Checks
  • School rules are reviewed to remove bias or unfair results.
• Incident Reporting
  • A clear process allows students to report racism or discrimination.

Equity: Fairness in Action

• Scholarships and Grants
  • Students from lower-income or underrepresented groups receive support.
• Classroom Tools
  • Materials are updated to be fair and representative of all people.
• Leadership Roles
  • Marginalized groups are given chances to lead and guide others.

Recent Actions and Commitments

Action	Outcome
Launch of IDARE Plan	Gave structure and goals to the school’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
Formation of the Office of IDARE	Created a central space for support and coordination.
Department Events	Encouraged open talks, group activities, and shared learning.
Land Acknowledgement Introduced	Showed respect for Indigenous communities.

What the Dean Emphasizes

• Bold Action is Needed
  • Not just words, but real programs and changes are necessary.
• Long-Term Commitment
  • Change will not happen overnight, but steps taken now will shape the future.
• Shared Leadership
  • Everyone, from students to senior leaders, must participate.

Community Involvement

• Students
  • Share ideas, attend events, and speak out against unfairness.
• Teachers
  • Make sure lessons are fair and represent many views.
• Staff
  • Support changes in their work areas and support students.
• Leaders
  • Fund programs, listen to feedback, and hold people accountable.

Helpful Resources

Resource	Use
Strategic Plan	Shares the school’s main goals and how IDARE fits in.
IDARE Action Plan	Lists steps and strategies to fight racism and promote equity.
Department Websites	Offer details about their own IDARE events and programs.
Workshops and Events	Train and teach people how to build inclusive communities.

Last Words

IDARE is not just a policy—it is a promise. A promise to every student, teacher, and staff member that fairness, kindness, and respect will guide the way forward. The school’s IDARE strategy helps fight racism, encourages diversity, and builds a safe and supportive learning space. When each person does their part, true change is possible. Every voice matters, and every action counts in creating a more equal and inclusive future.