Information about an Upcoming Special Vote on a Proposed Amendment to the ACCP Bylaws

August 26, 2022

Purpose: to Emphasize the Organization's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The 2022 Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was charged to provide input to the Board of Regents (BOR) on implementation of the ACCP DEI plan.  Among their recommendations, the task force proposed revisions to the ACCP Bylaws as described in detail below.  The revised language was approved by the 2022 Organizational Affairs Committee and endorsed by the BOR in July 2022.  Pursuant to Article II, Section 1 of the ACCP Bylaws, following recommendation by the Organizational Affairs Committee and endorsement of the BOR, amendments to the Bylaws shall be placed before the voting membership for approval.   Amendments must be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast.  As outlined in Article III, Section 1 of the ACCP Bylaws, all full members of the College are awarded voting privileges in College-wide elections.  

ACCP’s DEI plan includes a goal to create and sustain an inclusive culture within the organization.  This proposed revision of the Bylaws is intended to provide a clear statement indicating ACCP’s commitment to embracing DEI.  Through this substantial update to a permanent guiding document, the organization underscores the importance of this matter and recognizes that cultivating an inclusive organization will require the effort of everyone associated with the College.

Current verbiage in the ACCP Bylaws

"Membership shall be open to all qualified individuals regardless of race, creed, gender, or national origin."

Limitations of current verbiage

1. The current verbiage does not speak to ACCP's multi-faceted DEI plan to (a) enhance member knowledge and awareness of service and leadership opportunities within ACCP; (b) increase representation of underrepresented groups within clinical pharmacy; and (c) seek to involve members from underrepresented groups as speakers, volunteers, awardees, and leaders within ACCP.
2. The current verbiage also doesn’t address ensuring an organizational culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all clinical pharmacists, independent of their gender identity, race, or ethnicity. Stating this position in the Bylaws will publicly declare the College’s commitment to members of underrepresented groups.

Proposed revision of the ACCP Bylaws

"There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, socioeconomic status, military status, or other protected classifications in any of ACCP's activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, eligibility for membership; committee assignments; nominations for elected or appointed office; hiring or firing of staff; selection of volunteers, speakers, award recipients, or vendors; and provision of services. ACCP is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated and valued for all members, staff, volunteers, speakers, and/or vendors."