Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute is a highly collaborative research institute and a diverse community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness, and respect for all people.
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What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean at DHVI?

Diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences including: race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability or attributes, national origin, social class, religious/ethical values, political beliefs, work experiences, life styles and cultures.

Equity is the recognition that each person has different circumstances and needs, meaning different groups of people require different resources and opportunities in order to thrive. In practicing equity, the goal is to meet a person where they are in order to create equal outcomes for all community members.

Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. An inclusive environment promotes a sense of belonging, values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members, ensuring the opportunity for each person to achieve his or her full potential.

Furthermore, we believe that a diversity of perspectives will lead to the most innovative solutions for addressing the world's public health problems.

DHVI Group Photo June 2023
Duke Human Vaccine Institute group photo at 2023 Juneteenth event 

DHVI's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee organized a community service event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service on January 15, 2024. DHVI staff, faculty, and family members volunteered their services during the Keep Durham Beautiful cleanup of the Walltown neighborhood, hosted by Branches Community School.

DEI committee and volunteers group photo during MLK Day 2024
Standing, left to right: Priyamvada Acharya, Greg Ho, Kevin Saunders, Sarah Bros, Nina Theriot (daughter of Barbara Theriot), Barbara Theriot, Elizabeth Fallon, Nick Samsa (Elizabeth Fallon's partner), Madison Berry, Aria Arus-Altuz. Kneeling, left to right: Elizabeth Van Itallie, Amanda Newman, Helene Kirshner. Photo courtesy of Priyamvada Acharya

About Walltown: At the turn of the 20th century, George Wall was newly freed from slavery, becoming the first custodian in what became Duke University. He built the first home in the neighborhood next to Duke's east campus and it quickly became a haven for working class Black Durham residents who called it Walltown. In 2022, Walltown finally got its gateway - watch here.

DEI committee volunteers walking down sidewalk during MLK Day 2024

DEI committee members and volunteers work together to clean up the Walltown neighborhood 

DEI committee volunteers pose for a selfie on the sidewalk during MLK Day 2024

DEI committee members and volunteers pose for a sidewalk selfie while cleaning up the Walltown neighborhood

Connect with DHVI's DEI committee!