The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police triggered international outrage and difficult conversations about the toll of racial trauma on black people and a call for recognition, accountability, and collective action for solutions. Animal shelters and rescue groups—like the veterinary profession—have long lacked diversity in leadership, staff, and volunteers, who are overwhelmingly white, female, and prosperous. There is ample evidence that this lack of inclusivity prevents shelters from fully serving the needs of their community.
Institutions of all types, including universities, governments, businesses, and animal welfare organizations have been thrust into an unexpected and urgent exploration of individual and structural bias, privilege, racism, and social justice. The following are resources that we’ve found particularly thought-provoking in exploring race in animal welfare. This topic is fraught and complex, so be kind to yourself while trying to understand and especially, be kind to others.
What’s being said
- The Association of Shelter Veterinarians: Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Recognizing and dismantling racism in animal rescue by AJ Albrecht
- Racism in Animal Welfare by Anne Dunn
- Toronto Humane Society believes Black Lives Matter
Explore This
- CARE’s mission is to bring diverse voices to the Animal Welfare industry while also advocating for a more inclusive path to pet adoption using evidence-based tools and narratives to inspire organizations, save more companion animal lives and elevate the value of all human life
Hear This
- Leaning in and Listening – Diversity and Inclusion in Animal Welfare with John Dunn and Marc Peralta: (1 hr, 19 min)
- Being a Black Veterinarian: UFCVM’s Dr. Carl Southern (1 hr, 9 min)
- How to be an Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi: (1 hr)
Try This
Project Implicit: Complete a self-test for implicit bias (15 min)
- The IAT measures the strength of associations between concepts (e.g., black people, gay people) and evaluations (e.g., good, bad) or stereotypes (e.g., athletic, clumsy).
Complete This
BAM! Best Allyship Movement (UF online course) (1 hour)
- BAM! is about helping you grow and expand your multicultural understanding. You’ll learn about diversity and how to be an active advocate and leader for social change.