BVEDS seeks diverse contributors for new book
‘As a profession we can either have uncomfortable conversations or live with dysfunction' – Issa Robson.
The British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS) has called for contributors from different religious and ethnic backgrounds as it works on a new book.
Its publication, Veterinary Diversity and Inclusion: Race, Ethnicity and Religion, will encourage collaboration between marginalised communities to spark conversations within the sector.
The book will draw upon contributors’ lived experiences to explore the current shape of diversity and inclusion in the veterinary profession. Among its chapters will be discussion into the experiences, barriers and solutions faced by different minority ethnic and religious groups.
This will include the refugee and migrant communities, as well as those from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds.
Contributors are invited to take part in a number of roles, including research, writing, creating surveys and editing chapter content. The book seeks to be as representative of the profession as possible, and so all those in the sector are invited: including veterinary clinicians, veterinary nurses, students and those in administrative or education roles.
BVEDS was co-founded in 2016 by Navaratnam Partheeban and Issa Robson, who sought to raise awareness of discrimination in the veterinary profession. It has also built a community where lived experiences, knowledge and support can be shared.
Among its achievements has been its collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) on a nationwide survey into racism, as well as co-delivering the first UK conference about veterinary diversity.
BVEDS has established an active online community and continues to promote open dialogue about diversity and inclusion in the profession.
Dr Robson said: "As a profession we can either have uncomfortable conversations or live with dysfunction… by speaking honestly, you will also discover how many people have been through similar experiences, across a multitude of diverse identities. They will be glad that you spoke up, and you will not feel alone."
Those interested in taking part can sign up using BVEDS’ expression of interest form. More information is available on the BVEDS Facebook page, or by emailing vetedibook@gmail.com with any questions.
The book has an estimated publication date in 2027.
Image © BVEDS
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