NECO Joins the 13% Promise Initiative by Black Eyecare Perspective

NECO Joins the 13% Promise Initiative by Black Eyecare Perspective

NECO recently signed on to the 13% Promise pledge led by Black Eyecare Perspective (BEP). The initiative – based on U.S. Census data showing that 13.4% of the U.S. population identifies as Black – is asking for an equal amount of Black representation in eye care companies, colleges of optometry and boards of trustees.

BEP will be working with NECO, and with others who join the pledge, to help reach the 13% goal. That includes providing both resources and accountability to help achieve targeted goals.  

“Currently only 3.1% of NECO students and 4% of faculty identify as African American or Black, so the college will need a clear strategy to achieve this goal," said Traci Logan, executive vice president. “Increasing representation isn’t something we should just talk about as an aspiration; it has to become something we commit ourselves to doing because it benefits our students, employees, patients and the eye care industry as a whole.” 

NECO is also dedicated to sharing what it learns with other optometry schools and to understanding what others have done. “We’ll be seeking best practices and knowledge from other schools and our industry collaborators to stimulate enduring success," Logan said. "These actions represent one step forward in a much longer journey; one we believe has the potential to transform the profession, or, as we proudly state in our mission, we will change the way people see the world.”

NECO will also soon announce its full efforts to improve diversity and inclusion.