The AVMA has adopted the following policy on diversity:

The AVMA is committed to diversity in all aspects of the profession so that we can best serve the animals and public. This commitment to diversity pertains to professional areas of service and to cultural, ethnic, gender, and racial representations.

In the past, the Executive Board has expressed a commitment to diversity and has asked the Member Services Committee to address ways to encourage diversity in the veterinary profession.

The new policy is not intended to preempt the committee's work, but rather to serve as a guiding principle for the AVMA, since no written policy on diversity previously existed. The statement on diversity is seen as one step in addressing the profession's ability to best serve society.