06/16/2020
As an organization that prides itself on professionalism, ethics, morality, and developing the integrity of current and future generations of dentists, IUSD SPEA would certainly be remiss if we did not release a statement regarding the racial injustices that plague the Black communities of America, especially at a time such as this. Though we are writing on our own behalf, we urge all those reading to reflect, unite and denounce the racism and violence affecting those in our community.
IUSD SPEA stands in full solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in their fight to bring an end to racial discrimination. We recognize that the recent injustices done to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are just two of the many atrocities committed against Black Americans every day. We understand that these are just two of many names. We fully support the communities seeking justice for both of these senseless murders. We recognize that these injustices are a symptom of the larger issue that is institutionalized racism.
Racism is a disease that is deeply rooted in our country’s history. Though this issue has received a large amount of media attention the past few weeks, we must continue to do our part to recognize that this is a battle Black Americans fight and work to overcome every day. We, as dental professionals and especially as clinicians who serve a clinic of majority Black and Brown communities, can and must be part of the change that brings forward a new age of acceptance, love, and support for the Black community. As professionals, it is our duty to do intrinsic work that involves realizing our implicit biases, understanding our roles in the fight towards equality and justice, and to be intentional about treating each patient with respect regardless of their race.
SPEA is an organization committed to shaping dental students’ ethical viewpoints in order to foster growth within themselves, to benefit the patient’s they serve, and to further the progression of the dental profession. Unfortunately, dentistry is no stranger to racial discrimination. However, it is our commitment to this school and to our profession to educate students, faculty and staff at IUSD about the importance of supporting this movement.
Silence is violence. Now is the time to take a stance and outwardly condemn not only the unjust murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, but to also change the infrastructure of our profession in order to do our part in eradicating the ramifications of systematic oppression Black people have encountered for centuries. We plan to host more events this upcoming year to address this issue, and to facilitate other uncomfortable conversations within our profession. We hope to see you there.
Here are some educational resources to promote learning and effective conversations:
https://blacklivesmatter.com/resources/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-to-read-listen-to-and-watch-to-learn-about-institutional-racism
https://www.charisbooksandmore.com/understanding-and-dismantling-racism-booklist-white-readers
Here are some organizations that you can donate to right now:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/movement-4-black-lives-1
https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/donate.html
https://whitecoats4blacklives.org/
White Coats For Black Lives
