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SVC Shekhar shares reflections

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Dear Colleagues,

Over the last two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to hear from many of you about the challenges we face addressing the systemic racism, bias, and structures that plague our country, our University, and our schools of the health sciences. The long and continuing train of tragic and senseless acts of police brutality – and the rightful protests and crucial dialogue they have spurred across America – have served as a catalyst to confront and take on the difficult and profound work that remains to achieve social justice.

While I still have much to learn about this institution, I have begun to see first-hand how deep these challenges run, and the pain and anger our Black colleagues and community members continue to endure, and how much work we have to do to create real change. It remains true that the schools of the health sciences, along with Pitt as a whole, are positioned to play a crucial role in transforming our communities.

I am committed to making sure that the actions we take are meaningful and tangible, and that they are grounded in the lived experience of our students, faculty, and staff. In my community message on June 2, we provided some resources and opportunities to dialogue. This dialogue continues, with more opportunities planned in the coming days.

As always, the Counseling Center (students) and Life Solutions (faculty and staff) remain available to assist those who are experiencing difficulties as we go through this difficult time.

Anantha Shekhar, MD, PhD
Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences
John and Gertrude Petersen Dean, School of Medicine



6/15/2020
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