Dear OUWB Family,

I am reaching out in solidarity about the recent events magnifying the racism that exists within our society. I am heart-broken and saddened because the amplification of these actions goes against the grain of who we are as a community.

I have never feared for my safety in the way many of our African American students, faculty and staff have been describing to me in the last week following the death of George Floyd.

I cannot begin to understand their trauma; however, I can say that I have a heightened sense of awareness of the pain, anger and confusion it has caused our OUWB family. 

The deaths of Mr. Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile, Trayvon Martin, and countless unnamed others have highlighted a pandemic within the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Besides the destructive nature of racism in society generally, and within learning communities like ours, it is also a public health crisis. The effects of racism begin early in life and perpetuate throughout our educational and health systems. It is a moral imperative that we rectify the injustices; we are all responsible for driving the change.

At OUWB, we pledge to condemn racism in all of its forms: overt, covert, subtle, institutional, and individual interactions.

I recognize that some people may not know how to respond. I encourage you to reflect on this and seek out more information, but not from those who are suffering. Treat others how they tell you they want to be treated, and by doing so, listen to them and respond with carefully chosen words. 

I hear you and see your fatigue, your suffering, and your disgust. These feelings are warranted, and as a community, we need to address them. Together, we can work towards eradicating racial injustice by understanding that this is a process that must be worked on daily.

Duane Mezwa, M.D., FACR
Stephan Sharf Interim Dean, OUWB