Podcast Summary
CDC Employees Express Concerns Over Racism Within the Organization: More than 10% of CDC employees believe racism is hindering the organization's ability to address it as a public health crisis, citing lack of inclusion, old boy/girl network, and toxic culture of racial aggressions, bullying, and marginalization.
Within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a significant number of employees believe that racism within the organization is hindering its ability to effectively address racism as a public health crisis. Over 1400 employees, which is more than 10% of the workforce, signed a letter expressing concerns about the lack of inclusion, a pervasive old boy/girl network, and a toxic culture of racial aggressions, bullying, and marginalization. These issues, they argue, need to be addressed before the CDC can effectively combat racism in the wider public health context. This situation highlights the importance of introspection and addressing internal biases and systemic issues within organizations, particularly those with significant public health impact.
Systemic racism within CDC revealed by employees: Over 300 CDC employees signed a letter exposing systemic racism, including exclusionary practices and suppressed research, within the organization.
Systemic racism exists within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a letter signed by over 300 current and former employees. This issue has reportedly been ongoing for decades, with people of color facing exclusionary practices and having their research being suppressed. Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones, a former employee, shared her experience of working on a project focused on social determinants of health, only to have it shut down without explanation. She also recalled being asked to remove a slide from her presentation that acknowledged how racism unfairly advantages some individuals and communities, as it made white people uncomfortable. This incident highlights the deep-rooted issue of systemic racism within the CDC and the need for change. Meanwhile, Apple Card users can earn rewards of 3% on Apple products, 2% on all other purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% on purchases made with the physical or virtual card. To calculate potential earnings, visit apple.com/cardcalculator. Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, subject to credit approval, and terms apply.
CDC's suppression of racial disparities research: A former CDC employee, Dr. Lamar Hasbrooke, shared his experience of having his research on racial disparities in police homicides being suppressed over a decade ago, but the CDC acknowledged the incident without providing further details.
Suppression of research, particularly regarding racial disparities, is not unheard of at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Lamar Hasbrooke, a former CDC employee, shared his experience of having his research on racial disparities in police homicides being suppressed over a decade ago. He found that black people were being killed at disproportionate rates, but when he tried to present his findings at national conferences, the CDC pulled his paper without explanation. Fearing potential repercussions, Dr. Hasbrooke chose to keep quiet about the incident. Although such incidents may not be the norm, they do occur. When asked about the matter, the CDC acknowledged the incident but did not have detailed information on hand.
Lack of diversity in CDC leadership hinders understanding of racial disparities in healthcare during COVID-19: The absence of diversity in CDC's senior leadership can hinder efforts to understand and address racial disparities in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demands for increased black representation, elimination of advancement barriers, and mandatory bias training aim to improve the situation.
The lack of diversity in higher leadership positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can hinder efforts to understand and address racial disparities in healthcare, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tick-box approach of creating diversity offices without adequate resources and influence can perpetuate implicit biases and hinder robust dialogue. Increasing black representation in senior leadership, eliminating barriers to advancement, and providing mandatory implicit bias and cultural sensitivity training are among the demands of a recent letter signed by former CDC employees. The harmful effects of this lack of diversity can be seen in the current pandemic, where the CDC has been criticized for not focusing significant research efforts on how racism impacts the health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the US. This lack of research could limit our understanding of racial disparities related to the coronavirus pandemic.
CDC's Response to Black Scientists' Concerns: CDC's lack of response to Black scientists' allegations of racism undermines efforts to address disproportionate health impacts and wastes valuable talent. Empowering Black scientists and creating an inclusive environment is crucial for effective public health initiatives.
The experiences of Black scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) matter, and the lack of response from the organization to their concerns about workplace racism is a missed opportunity to address disproportionate health impacts and squander valuable talent. Kamara Jones, a former CDC employee, emphasized the importance of empowering Black scientists to work on these issues and creating a fair, equitable, and inclusive environment. However, CDC has not yet responded to the specific requests for action or allegations in the letter, leaving current and former employees feeling discouraged. The hope is that outside support from organizations like "Friends of the 7 acts of change" will encourage current employees and help build traction for change within CDC. It's important to remember that scientists are people, and they deserve respect and a fair and equitable workplace, regardless of their race or background. The letter serves as a reminder that organizations, including CDC, are made up of human beings, and addressing racism within them is crucial for effective public health initiatives.
