American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity Statement on the Announcement of Professional Standards for Chief Diversity Officers

The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED), an association of equal employment opportunity (EEO), diversity and affirmative action professionals, expressed strong support for the articulation of standards for the Chief Diversity Officer profession, released by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).

“The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED), a forty-year organization composed of equal opportunity, affirmative action, institutional equity and diversity officers in higher education, government and the private sector, commends our colleague organization, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), on the development and publication of its Standards of Professional Practice for Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs),” said AAAED President Marshall Rose. 

Founded in 1974 as the American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), AAAED has four decades of leadership in providing professional training to members, enabling them to be more successful and productive in their careers. It also promotes understanding and advocacy of affirmative action and other equal opportunity and related compliance laws to enhance the tenets of access, inclusion and equality in employment, economic and educational opportunities. 

“While its focus is ostensibly on institutions of higher education, these standards are tremendously important in articulating the knowledge and role of the CDO and its essential position in the executive leadership of any organization. They are also a foundational contribution to the national conversation on access, equity and inclusive excellence, and the contribution is one that AAAED welcomes,” President Rose added. 

AAAED urges NADOHE and other organizations to work with AAAED to build stronger interconnected efforts with Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action professionals, the Title IX and ADA officers, Human Resources and other relevant university personnel to promote a healthy and respectful environment for the entire Academic community. AAAED also welcomes those working in higher education, the public sector, government and the private sector to explore its various professional development and skills acquisition programs, including diversity management classroom training, webinars, certificate programs, and annual conference to promote access, equity and diversity both substantively and through greater collaboration and cooperation with the various entities charged with promoting diversity and inclusive excellence throughout our society.