Ending Systemic Racism and Restoring Equity
Our community cannot truly thrive until every Utahn has equal access to the essential elements of living a healthy life. One of the greatest threats to our patients, friends, and families is systemic racism and the inequities caused by it. We believe that systemic anti-Black racism is a public health crisis. That’s why, as a steward of the health of our community, we’re committed to restoring equity and championing anti-racism across our organization.
To make a real difference, we must start with ourselves, committing to becoming ardent anti-racists. An anti-racist institution is one that thoughtfully examines every opportunity for inclusion (admissions, hiring, resident matching, etc.) and eliminates every policy that may permit racism. We’re working to restore equity on every level—from empowering and investing in Black communities and other communities of color to strengthening policies that counter racism and bias and supporting programs that promote social justice.
Most importantly, we vow to listen. We’re committed to learning from patients, colleagues, and community partners who best model anti-racism so that we can be better allies and advocates for the change we want to see in the world. Anti-racism is not easy, but it’s important. We can start with the following declaration: Black Lives Matter.
Institutional Initiatives
University of Utah Health is deeply committed to enhancing the success of diverse faculty, students, and staff, as part of our broader goal to enrich the educational experiences and success of all members of our university community. Working in concert with University of Utah's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the School of Medicine's Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, our leaders, experts, and educators drive the effort to create a safe and welcoming campus climate following the system initiatives detailed below.
Racism is a Public Health Crisis
Utah’s health care organizations make a joint statement: We believe systemic racism is a real threat to the health of our patients, our families, and our communities.
System Equity
University of Utah Health is committed to building system equity with a diverse array of initiatives outlined here.
IDEALS Committee
The Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) convened a new sub-committee whose mandate is to formulate our philosophy and operationalize the means with which we will address inequity.
Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The School Of Medicine's Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strives to be an integral part of the community as well as a valuable resource for students, staff, and faculty.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
University of Utah's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is deeply committed to enhancing the success of diverse faculty, students, and staff, as part of our broader goal to enrich the educational experiences and success of all members of our university community.
News & Updates
The Intersection of EDI and Public Safety
University of Utah Safety, in collaboration with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), is committed to rethinking the way public safety operates and serves the U community.
Commitment to Health Equity
José E. Rodríguez, MD, FAAFP, associate vice president for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at University of Utah Health, discusses ongoing work toward ending systemic racism and restoring equity.
Friday Forums: A Racially Just Workplace
The third of the Friday Forums on Racism in Higher Education addressed questions about creating a racially just workplace and a more equitable and inclusive campus.