Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Land Acknowledgment

Fred Hutch Cancer Center acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. 

Labor & Justice Statement

We also acknowledge exploited labor, racist, heterosexist, ableist, xenophobic, religious, sexist, trans-antagonistic and other oppressive violence, and the ongoing struggle for justice on this land. We reflect on the ancestors of our various peoples, nations, tribes and families; ancestors whose struggles, pain, power, privilege and strivings we hold in our very bodies. We recognize, with gratitude, all those whose sacrifice, struggle and labor make our daily freedoms possible, and challenge us to learn, work and live justly.

A Commitment to Diversity

Lifesaving research demands more than innovation and dedication. It requires curiosity, creativity, and fresh and varied perspectives. That’s why diversity is a core Fred Hutch value that is integral to our work.

Our Mission
To establish Fred Hutch as a national exemplar in academia for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Core approaches and practices. 

Our Vision
To lead the integration of DEI as core values, principles, and practices to advance the Fred Hutch’s mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases.

Our Team
The DEI Core coordinates and facilitates diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in four core areas: research, workforce development, workplace culture and climate, and community development. Learn more about our team.

Take a closer look at our progress.

"Me As Loving You" is painted on white letters on a patchwork canvas of blue, yellow, and cream. Layered underneath the painted letters and patches are handwritten statements  "Please God let me live to 60", "As of April 27, 2023 in 2023 alone there have been 379 anti-trans bills passed"
Block #3249 (Mend), by Ariadne Campanella-Dosé Commissioned by Fred Hutch's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Core

Public Art and Community Dialogue

Science, art, and our pursuit of equity in research and care meet in our Public Art and Community Dialogue Program.

Fred Hutch is celebrating and showcasing the artwork of diverse artists within our global community across our South Lake Union campus and in programming activities. This program fosters ongoing dialogues with marginalized and oppressed communities to inform our commitment to inclusion, and how we represent that commitment in visual form. Panelists, employees and community members are invited to share their stories and lived experiences during live, virtual dialogues. These conversations guide our commitment to inclusion and solidarity and inspire our public artwork. 

Our Commitment to Health Equity

Health equity means all patients have fair and just access to the medical care they need. At Fred Hutch, we believe in supporting the health of all people by identifying and addressing institutional and systemic injustice and racism in health and cancer care. We focus on providing care and treatment that is inclusive, accessible, equitable and high in quality. We recognize that peoples’ health is impacted by several layers of injustice and our personal experiences with accessing care. We also believe everyone has a role in improving equity in health care by addressing inequities that exist. Our team at Fred Hutch works together — and with the community — to create real, meaningful change.

Learn more about our commitment to Health Equity.

DEI Core Strategic Objectives

value in cancer conference attendees

Close/Narrow Disparities

Objective: Advance opportunities for research that engage diverse populations and reduce health disparities. The purpose is to expand the Hutch’s health disparities research capacity.

Researcher,  John Lee

Diversify Fred Hutch's Workforce

Objective: Enhance diversity and equity in recruitment and retention efforts at all levels toward greater inclusion at the Hutch. The purpose is to review existing recruitment/retention policies at the Hutch and to implement best practices aimed at enhancing the diversity of our workforce.

Work place employee  gathering

Enhance Fred Hutch's DEI Culture

Objective: Develop and provide educational experiences for the Hutch community to expand awareness and engage practices that promote equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. The purpose is to enhance the Hutch’s DEI climate and culture through a range of educational experiences.

former patient panel members at Value in Cancer Conference

Strengthen Community Relations

Objective: Solidify and expand strategic partnerships with local, regional, and inter/national communities to advance equity and inclusion at the Hutch. The purpose is to cultivate relationships with key external partners for mutual benefit.

Diversity in Our Research Workforce

Our goal is to increase the use of National Institutes of Health Diversity Funding to diversify research faculty, trainees and staff. The NIH Funding Supplement page include general eligibility criteria, institutional criteria and funding opportunities available to Fred Hutch and University of Washington researchers.

Latest Diversity News

All news
Employee-engagement survey delivers welcome news Fred Hutch employees report they feel valued, including on DEI issues October 24, 2024
Sustaining Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through the ethic of care Remaining steadfast to accelerate our mission of curing cancer October 24, 2024
Fred Hutch hosts new online Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/ Latinx Scientists List of hundreds of scientists is intended to increase visibility October 5, 2024
10 Washington groups take on cancer health disparities with grants from Fred Hutch Community Grants Program funds projects statewide to improve cancer outcomes and build organizational capacity June 26, 2024