Examining institutional efforts for equity and inclusion: Insights from a National Pharmacy Faculty Survey

Inclusive environments are important to the educational experience. This national study about Schools/Colleges of Pharmacy (S/COPs) efforts towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEIA) examined faculty's overall awareness, ratings of S/COPs' approach, focus and authenticity of DEIA efforts.

A cross-sectional survey (58 items) with two reminders administered via Qualtrics was sent to American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy faculty. Thirty-three items addressed study objectives about overall awareness, institutional approach (Aware, Compliant, Tactical, Integrated, Sustainable), focus of DEIA efforts (Structure, Policies and Procedures, Resources, Academic Equity, Faculty Development), perceived authenticity (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree) and demographics.

Of the 659 useable responses, 67% of respondents rated their school's approach as Compliant or Tactical, and were "fairly" to "very much aware" (>75%) of DEIA activities at their S/COPs. Structure, Resources and Academic Equity domains were significantly associated with different approaches. S/COPs rated as Aware invested their efforts on Structure, while S/COPs rated as Integrated or Sustainable devoted efforts to all domains. Overall, the pharmacy academy was rated as "doing a little bit" towards DEIA. Respondents perceived their S/COPs' DEIA efforts as "somewhat authentic," with 45% perceiving low authenticity. Authenticity differed by rank, with faculty in leadership/administration perceiving higher authenticity of DEIA efforts compared to Associate and Full Professors.

Faculty knew of their S/COPs' DEIA efforts, perceived them as somewhat authentic, and frequently reported their school's approach as Tactical or Compliant. Having leadership champions, clearer communication, and aligning DEIA activities with strategic priorities may advance DEI integration and sustainability.