Dear School of Medicine faculty, staff and students,
I was saddened and appalled by the North Carolina state legislature’s recent passage of House Bill 2 (HB2) and the Governor’s failure to use his power to reverse its discriminatory provisions. Understandably, HB2 has provoked outrage from organizations and individuals, both locally and nationally. I would like to be explicit about the School of Medicine’s position.
HB2 stands in direct opposition to our principles and mission. We are unequivocally committed to a culture of inclusion, equity and mutual respect within our community and for our patients across all dimensions of diversity, including gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
Among the school’s many programs and initiatives aimed at ensuring all members of our community are supported, I am proud that our Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisory Council serves as an important educational resource and advocates for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) inclusion throughout all of Duke Health. I encourage any faculty members, staff members or students/trainees who are in need of support or are interested in learning more to connect with this council through their Web site.
While deplorable, the passage of HB2 provides us with the opportunity to show others that at Duke, we reject all acts of discrimination and instead embrace the differences among us. Through our actions and words, we must work together to ensure that every member of the School of Medicine community feels valued, supported and safe.
Sincerely,
Nancy
Nancy C. Andrews, MD, PhD, Dean
Duke University School of Medicine