Dear Colleagues,
I want to echo President Beilock’s message that while we do not yet understand all the implications of today’s Supreme Court’s decision, I do know that it in no way diminishes our commitment to fostering a diverse and welcoming community for our faculty, staff, and students.
This commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is something our community so strongly believes in that it is at the core of our community-developed Strategic Plan, both as one of our five core values, and as one of our seven strategic goals. We embrace this because we understand that diversity makes stronger and better communities, physicians, researchers, and public health leaders. Addressing structural barriers to DEIB here at Geisel, and in our broader communities, helps us to better address the effects of racism and other intolerance on health outcomes and prepares our students to do the same as they enter the workforce.
As we learn more about how this Supreme Court decision will affect our own admissions process, we will share that information and our response with our community.
I know there are many people in our community who may feel distressed over this decision. Please know that you are in a supportive community with people and resources here to assist you. I would encourage you to reach out to the DICE Office, Dick's House Counseling Center, Geisel Counseling Services, or the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program.
Duane Compton, PhD
Dean, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth