(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of stories about a move to ban affirmative action in Nebraska and the potential impact such a policy change would have at UNMC.)
Our state is on the threshold of a decision that could alter the future of its residents.
A petition being circulated in Nebraska aims to ban affirmative action policies and programs that open the doorway to opportunities for women and people of color in public contracting, public employment and public education.
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Harold M. Maurer, M.D. |
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Rubens Pamies, M.D. |
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Bob Bartee |
A commitment to diversity and the competent care of our patients is an integral part of UNMC’s strategic plan.
“The fabric of our campus community must reflect our global society,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “As we continue to recruit top researchers, faculty, students and staff, it is imperative that UNMC and Nebraska welcome people with diverse thoughts, experiences and cultures.”
UNMC Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Rubens Pamies, M.D., said the strategic use of programs to indentify, encourage and recruit qualified students and faculty enhances the health care of our community.
“It is critical to the future of health care that all of our students learn from a diverse faculty and from other students with varied perspectives,” Dr. Pamies said. “In our changing global landscape, health care professionals must provide competent care to people from different cultures and backgrounds, whose genetic makeup and cultural norms may require different medical needs.”
Several UNMC leaders have analyzed the potential impact an affirmative action ban would have on the medical center’s strategic plan as well as its recruitment and retention efforts.
UNMC Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee said it is important to raise awareness about this issue.
“As Nebraska’s only public academic health sciences center, UNMC is not just concerned with the health of its community but also its welfare,” Bartee said. “We are providing information to our UNMC community and the broader community regarding the devastating impact should this proposed ban be adopted.”
University employees and students cannot advocate for a position on the petition using university time or resources. However, employees and students can provide information to campus and community members about the proposed ban’s impact on UNMC.
If you would like a member of our speaker’s bureau to give a presentation to a campus group or civic organization, please contact Jo Giles at 559-4696 or jgiles@unmc.edu.