As nurses and members of a health professions school and medical campus, we must respect all peoples from all backgrounds. Let us stand against hatred of any kind, denounce discrimination, and reject the racism, anger and hatred that drives some to destroy others.
Elias Provencio-Vasquez
RN, PhD, Dean/ProfessorOur goal is to prepare nurses who reflect the communities they serve and
are culturally responsive, demonstrating cultural humility, in order to
provide compassionate, person-centered care. We are committed to stand against all forms of discrimination and oppression in support of any minoritized, under-represented, and marginalized community. We condemn xenophobia, violence and all myriad of ways difference is exploited, both systemically
and individually. We commit to taking actions that promote respect and dignity, rights granted to every human being, and to celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of all humans. We also commit to unlearning deep root biases that cloud our judgment
on a daily basis.
The College of Nursing recognizes that Boldly Transforming Health is inextricably linked to a fundamental and integral commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
It is a commitment to critical consciousness in teaching, research and scholarship, clinical care, operational practices and service to the community.
These efforts are a start, but by no means are they comprehensive. Our pledge is to continue to fight against racism, oppression, and hatred by supporting DEI efforts through programming, education, staffing and curricular changes.
Zipporah Parks Hammond (Zippy) was the first Black woman to be accepted into and graduate from the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing. She was the only Black student in a class of 29 white students. Her perseverance and dedication to nursing helped Zippy fight her way through racism and adversity to complete her education and establish her career. During her life, she treated Black children suffering from Polio, earned her medical librarian certification, and then became the first Black woman director of medical records at the now Presbyterian/St.Luke’s. She loved to give back to her community and volunteered at the Denver Public Library for 17 years. Zippy’s two sons have nominated her for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame five separate times without success. As more women and people of color are finally being recognized for their contributions to nursing, healthcare and the sciences, we believe in joining our collective voices with her sons at this pivotal moment! This is the year to give Zippy her very well-deserved recognition for all her hard work in paving the way for Black Indigenous Nursing Students of Color that came after her.