Dental school emphasizes message of diversity, equity and inclusion

Considering the sensitive, unfortunate, and disturbing events related with the horrific murder of an African American citizen, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, MN, and the tragedies of many others such as Breonna Taylor and Robert Fuller, the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee expresses its deep concern and condemns all acts of prejudice, violence and discrimination.

WVU strives to create a safe, diverse, hospitable, and integrated community regardless of race, creed, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic class. Consequently, we, as the DEI committee, repudiate and censure all acts against the principles of inclusion, social justice, intersectionality, equity and diversity. We advocate for a welcoming environment in which all individuals- patients, students, staff and faculty can feel secure, free, and treated with respect, dignity and nondiscrimination.

These tragic murders are not singular nor unique cases. Black lives are continuously being taken tragically on a daily basis. Epidemiologist Dr. Abdul El-Sayed reported, “An excess of 83,000 Black Americans die every year because of racism, and that itself is a public health issue.” Our school does not condone prejudice or inequity. We are here for our community. If anyone has any grievances or simply needs support, please feel free to contact the dental school’s DEI committee by emailing Dr. Juan Bugueno or Misbah Muzaffer.

We encourage everyone to self-reflect on a quote by South African Anti-Apartheid Activist, Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”