(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second 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.)
When UNMC leaders first learned about a legislative initiative to ban affirmative action policies in Nebraska, they quickly took action. One of the initial steps was to assemble a group of employees to raise awareness about the devastating impact this measure would have on UNMC.
This group of employees is called Team Access.
“Twenty UNMC employees answered the call to participate in this crucial effort,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs. “This group worked hard to provide and promote an employee lunch and learn forum, create a special speaker’s bureau and educate the UNMC campus.”
Members also collaborated with civic and grassroots organizations to educate Nebraskans about the anti-affirmative action initiative. Although the legislative resolution was withdrawn, a petition that is circulating in Nebraska would have the same effect. It would ban affirmative action policies and programs, which open the doorway to opportunities for women and people of color in public contracting, public employment and public education.
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UNMC uses a variety of pipeline and recruitment programs to encourage women to take on leadership roles and to recruit underrepresented students into careers in science.
“These programs and policies remove barriers and provide opportunities to students, faculty and staff,” said Myrna Newland, M.D., director of the UNMC Equity Office. “I remember being one of a handful of female medical students. Now, women represent half of all medical school graduates. Yet, they are not reaching the same leadership levels as men.”
Hugh Stoddard, M.Ed., Ph.D., said it is imperative to have a health professional workforce that mirrors our population.
“We must admit students from varied backgrounds in order to produce the diverse physician workforce that Nebraska needs,” Dr. Stoddard said. “Removing affirmative action programs would restrict our ability to compose the optimal class of incoming students each year.”
“I was eager to get involved in Team Access,” said Linda Cunningham, staff diversity specialist and current president of the Employee Diversity Network. “Affirmative action policies and programs have made a significant difference in the lives of UNMC employees. Banning such programs, I believe, would turn back the clock on those gains.”
Throughout the summer, Team Access members will continue their work educating campus and community groups.
If you would like a member of the Team Access 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.