We would like to thank the authors for illuminating the importance of diversity across demographic categories. We agree that the inclusion of persons with disabilities—and that of all religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and other marginalized groups—is critically important. We omitted other demographic groups from our article because different research is needed to contextualize each and propose evidence-based solutions.
Racial/ethnic diversity and inclusion is of utmost importance given the current social and political climate. The racial/ethnic and socioeconomic breakdown of the United States is changing very rapidly in ways that are having an immediate impact on the United States.
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That fewer than 12% of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) were persons of color in 2018 provides clear evidence that the diversity of the profession does not match the current makeup of the population.2
Because the racial/ethnic composition of the US population is changing more rapidly than any other demographic,3
the diversity of the dietetics profession and that of the general population will continue to become more disparate unless immediate action is taken.Moreover, a focus on racial/ethnic diversity is critical now because current rhetoric frequently targets marginalized racial/ethnic groups. Most Americans believe that the climate around race is generally bad (58%).
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More importantly, most persons who identified as Hispanic (58%), black (76%), or Asian (76%) report experiencing discrimination because of their race or ethnicity. Second to retaliation discrimination, racial discrimination is the most frequent type of workplace discrimination.5
The divisive political and social milieus are driving a racial/ethnic divide, and as such, racial/ethnic diversity and inclusion—particularly in workplaces—is more important than ever.Working toward a more diverse and inclusive professional across several demographic groups simultaneously is possible. We appreciate the attention your letter draws to the importance of including persons with disabilities and understand that there is a lack of research in disabilities among RDNs.
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We support your charge to work with experts to develop resources and collect more comprehensive information about the degree or type of disabilities among members, students, and practitioners. Ultimately, all work exploring demographic disparities should converge to examine intersectionality and the compounding impact of bias and exclusion among persons of multiple marginalized groups. We seek to support and work alongside others with the same vision: an equitable, inclusive profession for all.References
- 10 demographic trends that are shaping the U.S. and the world. Pew Research Center.(Accessed June 7, 2019)
- Strategies and recommendations to increase diversity in dietetics.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018; (Accessed June 7, 2019)
- Demographic Turning Points for the United States: Population Projections for 2020 to 2060.United States Census Bureau, Washington, DC2018
- Race in America 2019.Pew Research Center, 2019 (Accessed June 7, 2019)
- The numbers behind employment discrimination claims. Washington Post and the Center for Public Integrity.(Published February 28, 2019. Accessed June 14, 2019)
- Need for data on physical disabilities among nutrition and dietetics professionals.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017; 117: A129
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Published online: September 24, 2019
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT There is no funding or financial support for this work.
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© 2019 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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- Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities in Academy Diversity InitiativesJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsVol. 119Issue 10
- PreviewThe Practice Application by Burt and colleagues1 provides compelling approaches to increase diversity and inclusion in dietetics. However, the strategies are largely focused on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity, whereas the Academy’s revised diversity definition2 and Diversity Strategic Plan3 are more encompassing. Specifically, we are concerned about the absence of strategies to include people with disabilities. Strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities in medical education and biomedical research have been proposed4,5 and can serve as a model for nutrition and dietetics.
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