Our hearts are heavy and we cannot ignore what is happening across our nation, as so many people have been affected by actions motivated by racism and violence. It is difficult to watch our country so divided by hatred. Yet it serves as a powerful reminder that we, nurses, still must work together to promote equity and social justice in America.
Over the past few days, we have witnessed the frustration and anguish that has resulted from multiple incidences of racism and violence against Black men and women. All of this comes at a time when we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, which is shining a “bright light” on unacceptable health disparities with a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minorities.
As a community who strives to care, lead and inspire we must express our core values of diversity, respect and courage in our thoughts and actions.
In the College of Nursing we don’t have a place for any kind of “ism” including racism.
In the College of Nursing we are striving to include everyone, to give each individual a sense of belonging.
Although we are employing physical distance, we do not accept social distance. At this time “we see you, we hear you and we grieve with you.”