Footage shared widely on social media this week shows University of Minnesota medical students pledging to fight “white supremacy” and to “honor all indigenous ways of healing that have been historically marginalized by Western medicine.”
THE QUOTE
After recognizing the Native American tribes who formerly inhabited the current site of the medical school, associate dean Robert Englander led students attending the school’s white coat ceremony in August in the recitation of an oath that acknowledged their biases and privileges.
“We pledge to honor all Indigenous ways of healing that have been historically marginalized by Western medicine. Knowing that health is intimately connected to our environment, we commit to healing our planet and communities.”
- Englander and the students also promised to “recognize inequities built by past and present traumas rooted in white supremacy, colonialism, the gender binary, ableism, and all forms of oppression.”
- “As we enter this profession with opportunities for growth, we commit to promoting a culture of anti-racism, listening, and amplifying voices for positive change,” they said.
- According to the UMMS website, each class “collaboratively develops” its oath.