Pediatrics antiracism committee to hold DEI conference

On May 21, the UNMC Department of Pediatrics Antiracism Committee will be hosting its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference from 10 a.m. to noon.

The keynote speaker for the virtual event will be Deirdre Cooper Owens, PhD, Charles and Linda Wilson Professor in the History of Medicine and director of the humanities in medicine program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The event also will feature the release of the committee’s antiracism statement, as well as short presentations and a panel discussion aimed at operationalizing efforts to create an authentic culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Conversations for Inclusive Excellence continue in May and June.

Participants from all departments at UNMC and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center are invited to attend; additional information about the conference and the committee is available here. Participants must subscribe to event mailing list to receive the Zoom event information and event notices.

The UNMC Department of Pediatrics Antiracism Committee was formed to develop a culture committed to antiracism, complete an assessment of current policies and processes, create a strategic plan and monitor and report on the plan’s implementation.

The release of the committee’s antiracism statement is the foundational stage in their process, enabling the committee to address goals with greater clarity and purpose.

Kari Simonsen, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s, put her full support behind the conference.

“We look forward to an engaging conference and to the work ahead for the Department of Pediatrics Anti-racism Committee as we support and champion their efforts, affirm our identity as an anti-racist department, and further our efforts to create inclusive communities,” Dr. Simonsen said.

The UNMC Department of Pediatrics Antiracism Committee is co-chaired by Ruben Quiros, MD, professor and division chief, gastroenterology; Helen Grace, DO, assistant professor, general pediatrics; and Geetanjali Rathore, MD, associate professor, neurology. More than two dozen faculty members, residents, staff and administrators make up the committee.