The AAEP board of directors in July 2020 created the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force to guide the association in successfully assessing and addressing the barriers to inclusion that exist within equine practice, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and disability. In January 2022, a standing DEI Committee was approved by the board of directors to continue the Task Force's work.

Among the first DEI efforts was the development of a position statement affirming the association's commitment to fostering inclusion in equine veterinary medicine. The following position statement and values statement were approved by the AAEP board in February 2021.

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AAEP Position on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Equine Practice

The AAEP recognizes the historical lack of diversity within the equine veterinary profession and the importance of representation, inclusion, and mutual respect for our members and stakeholders to thrive. The AAEP commits to creating permanent structural change by providing education, resources, and mechanisms for continual evolution of our leadership and membership to accurately reflect the society in which we live. The AAEP will lead the industry in facilitating improvements in representation, safety, respect, inclusion, and equity to best serve equine industry communities of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Values Statement

The AAEP is guided by its recognition of the inherent value of diversity, inclusion, safety, and mutual respect. We intend to lead and model equitable practices at all levels within our community so our members, internal constituents, and external stakeholders can achieve and sustain career satisfaction and excellence.

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