The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) kicked off diversity week with a mass email containing a video boasting of the benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
In the email, Shereef Elnahal, the Under Secretary for Health for the VA, opined on the necessity of diversity in the VA’s operation.
“This week and every week is an opportunity for us to celebrate that diversity and commit to increasing it even more,” Elnahal said. “Our goal is to ensure that all our workplaces are equitable and inclusive environments where everyone can contribute and achieve their full potential.”
A video attached to the email featured Elnahal, who further discussed the need for individuals within the VA to strive for equity.
“[D]iversity, equity, and inclusion cannot simply be generated from the top down,” Elnahal said. “Your commitment is essential. I encourage you to share ideas and get involved to actively create a diverse and inclusive environment. We owe this to ourselves and the veterans we have the privilege to serve.”
Since 2021, the VA’s Research and Development Department has allowed research programs to request supplementary funds to promote diversity in their workforce through DEI supplemental awards.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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