Definition

Diversity is each of us and all of us.

Diversity is an important core value for each of us and all of us within each of the organizational entities of the University of Kansas Medical Center [KUMC]: the University, the Hospital, Kansas University Physicians, Inc. [KUPI], and the Research Institute. Yet, each of us and all of us may define diversity differently based upon personal experience.

Diversity is each of us and all of us, individually and collectively. Diversity is everything that makes each of us different and those things about all of us that are similar. Diversity is what we can see and what we cannot see in each of us and all of us, at anytime, anywhere.

Diversity is reflected in the many ways each of us and all of us walk and talk, think and behave. Diversity in each of us and all of us includes, but is not limited to: culture, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, geography, lifestyle, education, income, health, physical appearance, pigmentation, language, personality, beliefs, faith, dreams, interests, aspirations, skills, professions, perceptions, and experiences. These are just a few dimensions of diversity in each of us and all of us.

Our medical center community is a community of each of us and all of us. It is a community-within-a-community. In turn, it serves a much larger community. In healthy, invigorated, evolving communities, diversity continues to expand. As we look around our medical center community, we see a great deal of diversity among the various individuals who interact on a daily basis. We might come to feel that the differences we see are more important than the commonalities we share. However, we now know that at the genetic level, the fundamental unity of all humans is readily apparent. Each of us and all us share 99.9% of our genes. No matter how different our appearance and our behavior, each of us and all of us share a common humanity.

Diversity is the strength upon which each of us and all of us rely. As a teaching, research, and health care facility, we are diverse by the nature of our varying missions. The members of our community are here for different reasons. They include students, teachers, researchers, patients, families, visitors, employees, and members of our local and regional community who come in contact with each of us and all of us in a variety of ways.

Diversity is each of us and all of us using our talents and skills to do different things to accomplish similar goals. Faculty and staff in the School of Medicine, School of Graduate Studies, School of Nursing, and the School of Allied Health provide different academic experiences, yet share the similar goal of educating health care professionals. Environmental Services, Human Resources, Nursing Services, and Support Services provide critical assistance, yet all focus on internal customer service. Using different approaches, research and clinical staff impact the effect of illness and advance the progress of science.

Diversity is the power which enables each of us and all of us to accomplish our missions successfully, with the support of people who practice a wide variety of skills which complement each other. We recognize, respect and value the importance of each skill and each task. Without the effort of each of us and all of us, we could not succeed.

Diversity is the energy which each of us and all of us contribute to our unique environment, in such a dynamic manner that the combined force of these energies is greater than the sum of each of us and all of us.

Diversity is the highest expression of the ideals on which our nation is founded. As we recognize the value of diversity, we act to free each of us and all of us from those limited perceptions which create unnecessary barriers to individuals and groups who voice unconventional approaches. Diversity requires listening before judging. Through this process, each of us and all of us learn and improve.

Diversity is a positive force for building the future, by recognizing, encouraging, developing, and expecting contributions from each of us and all of us. Diversity drives creative, positive expression which encourages each of us and all of us to believe in ourselves and to contribute the best we have to offer.

Diversity is a result of individual and collective communication and collaboration. Diversity is a belief that each of us and all of us can and do make a difference for the betterment of ourselves, our medical center community, those we serve, and our larger community.

Diversity is each of us and all of us, what we do and how we do it, individually and collectively. Our challenge as individuals and as a community is to expect, appreciate, value, and respect differences in each of us and all of us.

Diversity compels a total-quality, progressive workplace to reflect the changing demography of our society, at all levels of our medical center community. As a result, we gain unique opportunities to broaden our understanding and respect for others, providing each of us and all of us with potential for personal and professional growth, as well as a sense of fulfillment.

Diversity requires that each of us and all of us create an environment where no one is advantaged or disadvantaged by prejudices and biases but where every person is encouraged to fully utilize their unique talents, skills and abilities. Diversity affords opportunities, possibilities, and benefits to each of us and all of us. Diversity provides support and encouragement for each of us and all of us.

Diversity is each of us and all of us!