Practicing Inclusive Excellence during the Covid-19 Crisis

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, we affirm our shared values of diversity and inclusiveness, accountability, collaboration, integrity, and respect. We stand against xenophobia, incivility, racism, ableism and all forms of discrimination and injustice. We acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of our shared history and actively promote social justice to challenge discrimination, and address disparities and inequities.

The news about the coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving daily. The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) is committed to sharing information related to building a supportive, empathic and informed community. This is a moment for us to embrace an ethic of caring and, by our actions, reaffirm our commitment to sustaining our beloved community. What can we learn to promote systemic change, not only in a time of crisis but into the future to support inclusive excellence and a community where all feel valued and welcome every day?

We recognize the importance of creating a community where all faculty, staff, and students have a sense of belonging because they are supported and welcome. We strive to provide an excellent educational and employment experience by practicing inclusivity as we work, educate, and learn from one another. With this commitment, we all need to provide support to one another and be kind and respectful to all who are part of the UAB community. We need to especially remember that we have members of our community that may be far from home and are without the support of their family or friends. We invite all members of our community to connect with others for mutual support. While we are experiencing "social distancing," it is essential to remember that this does not mean "support distancing." Support is critical in any crisis like this.

We encourage you to visit the UAB website for regular updates. In addition to taking health precautions advised by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), we invite you to take this moment to envision, build, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient UAB. Many resources are circulating. The following are recommendations to help you stay kind, stay healthy and stay safe:

Reject racism, sexism, xenophobia and all hateful or intolerant speech, both in person and online. Discourage others from engaging in such behavior.
Address unequal access to technology, hardware and software. Ask students about their level of access to technology. Use that information to inform the technology choices for your courses. Consider offering loaner laptops or assisting with access to internet service.
Ensure web accessibility for students with disabilities when using online learning or remote instruction.
Be inclusive and remember that everyone has different circumstances. Continue to treat everyone with respect, both in their presence and in their absence. Do not resort or revert to unkind discussions about people, individuals or groups who may not be in your immediate circle or network.
Advocate for students and employees who may have fewer resources. Many students rely on the housing, dining, health care and employment provided on campus. Allow for access to campus food pantries (such as UAB’s Blazer Kitchen), basic needs and health and wellness resources.
Be patient with one another during email, text and video conversations. There can be a tendency to want immediate answers, and typically friendly ways of communicating can break down without deliberate effort to maintain kindness. Try to be as clear as possible in online conversations. Don't assume that broad, sweeping statements will be fully understood.
Be kind and understanding regarding expectations. Relax requirements that can become impositions, such as demanding business attire for online video meetings or classes, or penalizing participants in online classes for wearing casual attire. Remember that people may be operating without resources and access to many material items and services. Keep the focus on what is most important.
Build community through virtual coffee/tea hours with colleagues, students and faculty.
Do not use terms such as “Chinese Virus” or other terms which cast either intentional or unintentional projections of hatred toward Asian communities, and do not allow the use of these terms by others. Refer to the virus as either “COVID-19” or “coronavirus” in both oral and written communications.
Support the health care workers who are on the front line of this pandemic. Help ensure that they get the rest they need, can attend to personal and familial needs, and are supported as health care workers and as people. Visit the UAB Caregiver Wall of Thanks to submit a thank you note to convey your support.
“Flatten the curve” by attending to the health-related guidelines set forth by federal and local governments.
Remember to practice self-care! Recognize your own stress, manage yourself before managing others, and make time for your physical and emotional needs. For tips on self-care and managing stress visit uab.edu/eacc for employees.