We stand alongside you during these tumultuous times. Ross University School of Medicine fully supports diversity and inclusion and we stand up for social injustice. We know Black Lives Matter.
Ross Med condemns racial injustice, oppression, prejudice and bigoted violence. We know that black and brown people continue to live in fear, and feel deprived of the safety, security and justice that all Americans have a right to expect. We will partner with each of you and our larger Ross Med community to act and inspire change that leads to true social justice.
We have heard and read the racist and bigoted social posts and comments within the Ross Med community regarding the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless other black Americans. Thank you to everyone who had the courage to speak out against these appalling messages. Leaders at Ross Med are horrified at the lack of professionalism, awareness and insensitivity toward the black community and the Black Lives Matter movement. We immediately launched investigations and have been reaching out to students individually with disciplinary action to hold them accountable. We aim to educate students and inspire a broader perspective about an extremely serious issue.
Ross Med has a diverse learning community that prepares graduates to become compassionate medical leaders in the communities they serve. Racism is not welcome. It is not tolerated. It cannot be ignored. We are staunch defenders of free speech but not when misinformation is posted and threatens the preservation of our community. We will not support information that goes against our values. The legacy of bias and brutality against black Americans has gone on far too long.
We know we must make a sustained and meaningful impact at Ross Med. We remain steadfast in our call to action by creating a stronger and more inclusive learning environment that addresses structural racism, unconscious bias, social justice as well as social determinants of health and advocacy. We will rise to the challenge in the community by reexamining and strengthening our own education system to stop the silence around racial inequity and hatred. We will stay vigilant in preserving rights and promoting social justice.
As future front-line physicians, we mandate that you respect and honor your medical oath to serve and protect all community members—of all races. We expect you to demonstrate the cultural sensitivity you will need when caring for others, including recognition of the impact of systematic racism. Being dismissive or even silent on this is not representative of Ross Med; we need to hear from those who will support our full community.
Together, we can make a difference. We will make mistakes and we will continually strive to improve, but you can always be certain that Ross Med stands alongside you in the fight to combat hatred and bigotry.