UNMC listening event will discuss racism, health inequities

From left, Dele Davies, M.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, Aileen Warren, assistant vice chancellor for human resources and Sheritta Strong, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and interim director of inclusion, will take part in the event.

UNMC will initiate the first in a series of “listening sessions” Monday, June 8 from 1-2 p.m.

These conversations will be an opportunity to discuss the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and James Scurlock in Omaha, and associated local and national protests against police violence and structural racism, including social, economic, political and health inequities.

“These events have left many of our students, faculty and staff frustrated, confused, angry, and in search of a path forward,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “I ask that you join us and share your own voice.”

The first session will include the following panelists:


  • Dele Davies, M.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs;
  • Sheritta Strong, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and interim director of inclusion;
  • Aileen Warren, assistant vice chancellor for human resources; and
  • Tom Schroeder, UNMC Student Senate President and Student Regent.

The session will have the same virtual format as recent all-campus forums during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the UNMC community are invited to participate in the event via Zoom. Questions and comments may be submitted by email in advance or in real time at unmcevents@unmc.edu.

Additional sessions with invited community leaders and a student-led forum will be held within the next two weeks. Watch UNMC Today for additional details.