Statement on Diversity

The Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) approved the following revised ACS Statement on Diversity at its October 2017 meeting in San Diego, CA. The original statement was developed by the Board of Governors’ Committee on Chapter Activities and was approved by the Board of Regents in June 2001. It was recently reviewed, updated, and approved by both the Board of Governors’ Surgical Care Delivery Workgroup and the Committee on Diversity Issues.

The ACS actively promotes full participation in College activities by all surgeons. The ACS upholds the highest standards of leadership in our profession with its strong commitment to multiculturalism and equal opportunity, respecting and nurturing the diversity of its membership. It recognizes that specific recruitment and development of Fellows from diverse and underrepresented groups is essential to enhancing the strength of the ACS.

The ACS underscores this commitment to diversity by ensuring that meaningful positions of leadership are held by Fellows from all constituent groups. Nominations for leadership positions should be based on individual qualifications, expertise, and ability to contribute.

The ACS and its committees and chapters shall acknowledge diversity and inclusion by developing measures of progress in mentoring leaders of different backgrounds in all its activities.