By welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, we create a vibrant tapestry that challenges assumptions, broadens horizons, and cultivates a culture of inclusivity. It is through this diversity that Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) cultivates an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and understanding, preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.
Pride Month is a time of celebration, awareness, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout this month, our institution recognizes and honors the diversity and resilience of our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and allies. Pride Month plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and affirming campus environment, empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves, and promoting a sense of belonging for all.
“It’s important that we show unconditional support to our LGBTQIA+ faculty and students during every month of the year, not just pride month,” said Amber Helton, a student in our Doctor of Physical Therapy program and Diversity Chair for the RMU Student Diversity Committee. “Being a good ally means you practice anti-discrimination and offer support and protection to those in the LGBTQIA+ community. We are all humans and part of the human experience is loving others. Love shouldn’t be associated with shame or prejudice.”
“Student Affairs has wonderful staff that provide a safe space for students on and off campus.”
– Amber Helton
RMU is actively working to create an atmosphere where every member of our community can thrive and flourish. RMU has a Student Diversity Committee (SDC) and the University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (UDEI), both of which help amplify underrepresented voices and encourage an inclusive culture. These efforts are supported by Ray Rodriguez, the Senior Director of Institutional Equity in Student Affairs.
“Pride Month is important because it’s showing that the LGBTQ+ community isn’t going anywhere,” says Rodriguez. “We have a long way to go to true equality in society.”
Taking Active Steps Toward Inclusive Allyship in Healthcare Professions
According to the Harvard Business Review, “Allyship is a lifelong process of building and nurturing supportive relationships with underrepresented, marginalized, or discriminated individuals or groups with the aim of advancing inclusion. “
“What many people don’t realize is that allyship is active; it’s a practice,” says Rodriguez. “Being an ally is more than hanging a pride flag in June; it’s about taking active steps towards being more inclusive.”
A crucial starting point for practicing active allyship for healthcare professionals is familiarizing themselves with the Codes of Ethics within their respective professions. Professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), among others, provide guidelines for patient treatment, emphasizing equal care irrespective of race, gender, identity, or sexuality.
“I hope that RMU students will enter the healthcare space and create welcoming and inclusive environments in their clinics, hospitals, and healthcare centers,” said Rodriguez. “And that they will treat people with authenticity, understanding, and acceptance of the whole person.”
For more information or to join the RMU SDC or the UDEI, please get in touch with Ray Rodriguez at ray.rodriguez@rm.edu.
