Kenya Beard, an advocate in diversity, inclusion and social justice, urged our School of Nursing students to recognize their prejudices so they could put them aside when treating our patients — and ensure everyone receives equal care.

“As health care providers, we strive to give the best care,” School of Nursing Dean Jean Lange said. “But it’s important to recognize that past experiences can frame how we think. She helps us recognize that understanding ourselves helps us to be more accepting of others who think differently.”

The event was part an on-going School of Nursing initiative to offer learning opportunities outside of the classroom to better prepare our students to treat the whole patient.

Beard said she left Quinnipiac feeling inspired — and would cite Quinnipiac as a living example of what an inclusive culture should be.

“It was an honor to be part of a dynamic group of faculty and student who epitomized courage,” she said after her two-day event for juniors, seniors and faculty on our North Haven Campus. “They are exemplars in their willingness to explore implicit bias and engage in stories that challenged them to think broadly and share collectively.”

“Quinnipiac is where thoughtful leaders create safe spaces where students and faculty can demonstrate intellectual humility and encourage collective wisdom to improve the quality of health care,” she added.