2022 EDI Climate Survey results discussed at webinar

Tulane University campus leadership, students, faculty and staff gathered Monday night via Zoom to discuss the results of the 2022 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Climate Survey and release action items for continuing to make Tulane an equitable environment for all.

At the start of the evening, President Michael A. Fitts reminded members that the survey is a key component of the university’s Strategy for Tomorrow, a five-year strategic plan to guide the university’s EDI initiatives.

Fitts said that while great progress has been made, there’s “more work to do after identifying the areas where our collective efforts are required to build on that progress. The work to craft a more diverse and inclusive Tulane is critically important, and with your help, I’m confident we can realize this objective together.”

Tulane’s EDI Climate Survey asked students, faculty, staff, administration, medical residents and postdoctoral fellows to share their perceptions of how the university supports EDI. Out of 19,968 eligible individuals in the Tulane community, 6,655 completed the survey, reflecting a 33% response rate.

The full survey results can be found here.

Anneliese Singh, chief diversity officer and associate provost for diversity and faculty development, and other university leaders discussed the findings of the survey and the action plans in response to the survey results. The action plan was designed to build on the university’s strengths and address the challenges identified in the survey. The plan outlined actions and initiatives Tulane will undertake to promote a more inclusive and equitable community.

Leadership from the EDI office and other university leaders also moderated a Q&A session. University leaders also addressed that this survey only captured a moment in time and, since then, additional programming and action items have been created to address antisemitism and other forms of hate.

Robin Forman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, concluded the webinar with final remarks. He said the university is “committed to working every day to create the kind of campus environment where everyone belongs, everyone is valued and everyone can flourish. This is how we create the best versions of ourselves and the best version of Tulane.”

Individuals can delve deeper into the survey’s findings and the action plan through in-person informational sessions across Tulane’s three campuses. The Tulane community is also invited to participate in focus groups with the EDI Office. Register for in-person sessions or the focus groups here.