The following message was sent to all School of Medicine faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, May 18, 2021:
Dear School of Medicine faculty, staff and students,
May 25, 2020, marks the day that launched the nation’s and our School of Medicine’s journey toward a just society, free from racism and hate. On that day, George Floyd was murdered, and that brutal act catalyzed an international outcry for justice. It is a day to remember, to reflect and to grieve. This past year has been an opportunity to make meaning of the tragedy of his death and that of so many others.
A year ago, spurred in large part by our unwavering students, the School of Medicine, along with all of Duke University and Duke Health, made a commitment to impact change. Through our Moments to Movement initiative, we have begun long overdue work to create a truly diverse and just institution.
As part of Moments to Movement, four groups comprising School of Medicine faculty, students and staff - nearly 100 of you - recently submitted recommendations for a plan to achieve justice and equity. Almost a year’s worth of work - hard, emotional work - is reflected in these calls to action. I thank everyone for giving of their time and of themselves to move us closer to our shared vision. The next step is upon us. On June 23, 2021, during my annual State of the School Address – and one year after our official launch of Moments to Movement – I will share with you highlights from our plan to dismantle racism. Throughout the summer, we will share the plan in full with a pathway for our future.
And this month, Duke Health made a public pledge to stand against racism. This is a commitment to ourselves and a message to our patients and our community that we will not tolerate racism and will actively stand in opposition to hate.
This is just the beginning.
On May 25, let’s join together to reflect upon the last year and energize ourselves for the work ahead. This will be a no meeting day, but I invite you to participate in events that have been planned. Please see the details below.
Stand for Peace
For all Duke Health faculty, staff and students working on campus
Create individual signs for display and sign the Duke Health Anti-racism Pledge
(Blank signs are attached to this email and also will be provided at the location)
Duke Medicine Circle (grassy area in front of Duke South Clinics)
May 25 from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
M2M Virtual Tea for the Soul - guided reflection, relaxation
For all Duke Health faculty, staff and students
May 25 at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 2 p.m.
Each session will last 15 minutes. Participants are encouraged to bring their own tea.
[Zoom link]
Revisiting Black Man in a White Coat
All are invited to join Chancellor A. Eugene Washington and Associate Professor Damon Tweedy, MD, for a special conversation as they revisit Black Man In A White Coat - Tweedy’s 2015 bestselling book examining the difficult and often contradictory terrain of race and medicine.
May 25, 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Register or read more here.
A Collective Breath for Justice
All Duke Health students, staff and faculty are welcome to join the School of Medicine Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI), along with our Departmental DEI Leaders, Inclusion Council members and Teaching & Leading Equity Now cohort community as we come together to reflect, connect, and share in a collective breath for justice. This will include a 9 minute and 29 second silent vigil.
May 25, 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
[Zoom link]
Sincerely,
Dean Mary E. Klotman
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