2020 INL Critical Conversation on Health Equity and Racism

In the summer of 2020, in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Derek Chauvin, the American Academy of Nursing (Academy) stood with our colleagues across the country calling for action to change racist structures within the United States. Our collective work is not done. From the increased rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths among Black and Latino individuals to the perpetually higher rates of violence and police brutality these communities face, it is clear that there are prevalent, persistent flaws in our nation’s structures that negatively impact determinants of health and outcomes. 

The Academy is committed to working towards its vision of healthy lives for all people.



Critical Conversation on Health Equity & Racism



Antiracism in Nursing Education and the Workforce: Leading Change


Unseen Diversity: How to Elevate Inclusivity and Affect Change

Key Take-Aways

  • Racism is a social determinant of health.
  • Diversity and inclusion advance equity and help organizations thrive.
  • Many characteristics of diversity are invisible.
  • Nurses need to critically examine how they relate to the populations they serve.
  • Nurses are committed to taking steps to ensure a less racist future, but to do this, they must move beyond words to action.

Download a Printable Version
2020 INL Meeting Summary

Resource Library

The following resources were selected by the Academy's Diversity & Inclusivity Committee and INL National Advisory Council. This is a living list and will be updated as additional resources are identified. 

Published Works
 Interviews, Articles, and Additional Resources
 Webinars Other Materials


As the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing has said, “racism is historically rooted in the nursing profession and continues today. The time is now to transform the profession by addressing racism in nursing.” The Academy is a part of that history and we must take our own measures to address racism in the profession. The INL signature event workgroup is planning a follow-up event, "Moving Conversation to Action: Championing Health Equity for All," that will focus on how to institute change in a way that advances the Academy's vision of “Healthy Lives for All People.”