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Dear Colleagues, 

This is an important time to take stock of our behaviors and practices and make changes that directly improve diversity and inclusion at Feinberg.

Our communities are engaged to create a “better normal”. It will take all of us, and there must be strong engagement and synergism at all levels. Students at Feinberg have sent a letter to the Dean asking the leadership to address several aspects of the school. ... I am very optimistic that forthcoming changes will have a positive impact on our academic community.

Along these lines I would like our Department to be active and contribute to this change. In the next few weeks, please consider action items and initiatives that we can implement (in the Department) to improve diversity and inclusion at all levels: trainees, staff, faculty.  Bring this up to your trainees and staff members, incorporate their suggestions and lets all discuss it in a town meeting after the 4thof July holiday. I realize that we were going to take a break from meetings during the summer, but these are unusual times and we must come together to make these decisions.

... If you cannot be present feel free to send me an email, I would like to hear and include all your comments and suggestions. 

I much appreciate your contributions and looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best, 

Luisa

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Luisa Iruela-Arispe, Ph.D.

Stephen Walter Ranson Professor and Chair

Department of Cell and Developmental Biology