AAD Advisory Board rejects resolution to end DEI programs

Key takeaways:

• The AAD’s Advisory Board voted to not adopt the sunsetting of all DEI programs.
• While two of the five resolutions were not adopted, three will be discussed by the boards in May.

SAN DIEGO – The American Academy of Dermatology’s Advisory Board has voted to not adopt the resolution to dismantle and remove all current diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

On March 10, the AAD’s Advisory Board met at its general business meeting during the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting to consider five member-submitted resolutions, including the proposal to sunset all of the Academy’s current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

In a statement to Healio, Terrence A. Cronin Jr., MD, FAAD, president of the AAD, stated that the advisory board voted to not adopt the following resolutions, and they will not move forward for consideration by the board of directors: sunsetting all DEI programs; and resolutions to dismantle/remove the current AAD/Association DEI initiative.

The remaining three resolutions were adopted with amendments and will be submitted to the boards of directors for consideration:

• proposal of an additional category to segregate the smallest practices from small practices within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Merit-based Incentive Payment system program;
• statements on geopolitical issues; and
• support expansion of the diversity committee mission.

According to the statement, the resolutions that moved forward will be considered by the boards of directors in May, where they will either be adopted or rejected in whole or in part or referred to a council, committee or task force of the Academy for further exploration.

“We celebrate diversity in all forms including, but not limited to, religious, ethnic, cultural, gender and racial identities and aim to improve disparities in health care. We are ardent opponents of any form of antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian hate, and racism of any kind,” Cronin told Healio.

“The American Academy of Dermatology’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity and access to quality care for all is part of our Strategic Plan,” Cronin continued. “The Academy is also committed to an environment in which our members, employees, and strategic partners feel welcome, included and understood.”

Editor's note: On Mar. 10, it was clarified that the remaining resolutions will be discussed by the boards of directors in May, not during their annual meeting. The editors regret the error.