In June, we commemorate significant milestones in American history.
June 19 marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, found out three years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that they were legally free. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law as a national day to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S.
On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York City attended by LGBTQIA+ patrons, leading to acts of resistance that gave rise to the American gay civil rights movement. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states with a 5-4 decision.
On an international scale, June 20 marks another important commemorative day, established in 2001 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Commemorative days are not only an opportunity to remember but also to raise awareness on ongoing issues that still need to be addressed, to mobilize commitment and resources from accountable stakeholders, and challenge them to do better.
This month, the COM DEI Office would like to highlight the work of two student groups, the UNMC chapters of both White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL) and Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA). They will be sharing report cards for their respective organizations on how well UNMC is faring in key indicators. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to advance health equity and social justice for the Black community, the LGBTQIA+ community, the refugee community, and other marginalized and underserved communities that we serve. The COM DEI Office, in addition to working with the students, is involved in additional initiatives to address these issues and will be sharing them in future InterCOM publications.
– by Shirley Delair, MD, COM associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion
WC4BL Racial Justice Report Card
In its inaugural year, the UNMC chapter of White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL) held monthly meetings for students, residents and staff on various aspects of racial justice in medicine, with an emphasis on the failings and impact of race-based medicine. The group worked closely with the COM Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on curriculum evaluation and recruitment programs and will continue these activities in the coming years.
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Ryan Boyland |
Yasmeen Bora |
UNMC’s first participation in the National WC4BL Racial Justice Report Card (RJRC) was the group’s major undertaking. The RJRC is an organizing and accountability tool that articulates a vision of a medical education and health care system grounded in racial justice. Over this past year, UNMC students, faculty and staff worked to complete the RJRC to objectively measure UNMC’s efforts in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The metrics were divided into hospital metrics, residency metrics and medical school metrics, with each category assessing UNMC’s treatment of students, patients and staff. Example metrics include representation of Black, Indigenous and Latinx medical students and faculty at all levels relative to their share of the U.S. population; curriculum treatment of race as a social construct rather than a biological risk factor; and Black, Indigenous and/or Latinx-led community organization involvement in recruitment of human subjects for research studies.
While the report is still being finalized, overall, UNMC received nine out of 69 for the available metrics that were scored — a percentage of 13.04%, clearly a failing grade.
That being said, more than 50 UNMC affiliates contributed to the report card. While much work remains, the cooperation and commitment to change is encouraging. The benefit of the RJRC is the ability to follow changes to UNMC policies over time and reassess progress. The goal: A UNMC where students of color and patients of color can feel safe and appreciated. Hopefully, with continued work and dedication, that future can be realized.
– by Yasmeen Bora and Ryan Boyland, UNMC Chapter of White Coats 4 Black Lives
MSPA’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Report Card
The national chapter of MSPA released 2021 LGBTQIA+ Report Card in April this year with a goal to collect and share information about safety and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals at medical schools. As part of the organization, UNMC Student Pride Alliance (SPA) also participated in this survey.
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| Heng Jiang |
UNMC received a final grading of B- on a scale from A to D. The report card evaluated the following 11 metrics: nondiscrimination, same-sex partners, gender-inclusive spaces, transition, health coverage, diversity, admissions, employees, organizations, professional development and sensitivity training. UNMC received seven Bs and four Cs in these areas. Here is a link to the report and definitions of the metrics.
Even though more is expected, MSPA is confident that, with ongoing effort and help, UNMC can improve in the future. One current initiative SPA is engaged in, along with the COM Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) and the Employee Pride Alliance (EPA), is the pronouns pin project. The project is intended to establish a more inclusive environment for the medical center’s patients, faculty and students. Apart from the organization level, SPA members also are working closely with Jean Amoura, MD, on creating an e-module to educate medical students how to perform a non-judgmental and inclusive history taking.
SPA members are excited to celebrate Pride Month, which commemorates the people and allies involved in the Stonewall Riots, who fought for the dignity and equality of LGBTQIA+ community. EPA organized meaningful events in June, such as the “Cured” film screening and panel discussion. EPA also will participate in the Heartland Pride Parade and Festival on July 10 to support the community.
– by Heng Jiang, UNMC Student Pride Alliance