Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are ingrained in the practices of our department, and we strive to be a model for other departments and programs.

The Psychiatry Department DEI Committee, which is co-chaired by Dr. Ali DeLizza and Laura Schutte-Lundy, meets monthly. In addition, Dr. Sheritta Strong serves as UNMC Assistant Vice Chancellor of Inclusion.

“The DEI Committee is open to all members of the department – residents, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. DeLizza.

The committee's mission is to ask questions, listen, reflect and engage team members and community partners to create a culture where everyone belongs and where we continually act in concrete ways to improve diversity, equity and inclusion. The impact of this committee must ripple across education, research, service, and clinical care. It must cross hierarchies and cultural barriers. And everyone must approach the work with a fundamental sense of humility.

"We can always do more to speak up and advocate for our patients, our trainees, our colleagues, and our community," said Department of Psychiatry Chair Dr. Howard Liu.

The psychiatry residency program is also committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our W.I.S.E. training model intentionally incorporates inclusion as a guiding principle. We recognize disparities in society and condemn racism and discrimination. We support our students, patients and colleagues who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) in confronting racial injustice and inequity. Attitudes favoring hatred, intolerance, and violence have no place in our program or department.

Residency recruitment follows the University of Nebraska’s Equal Employment Opportunity statutes. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation in our programs, activities, or employment. Our program encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply. We provide mentorship and opportunities to enhance success.