As our community continues vital conversations on race, we must also reaffirm our support for all underrepresented, LGBTQ, minoritized, and international student and scholar communities. Over the last few weeks, two Supreme Court decisions provided pivotal protections for DACA recipients as well as individuals who identify as LGBTQ.
On behalf of Dr. Nathan Thomas, Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the UNC School of Medicine’s Office of Inclusive Excellence:
The United States Supreme Court determined the 2017 repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was unlawful under the federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA). While this decision is not permanent, it does offer comfort and protection to many. This is especially pertinent as North Carolina’s Latinx community continues to bear a disproportionate burden from COVID-19 and we know that anxiety surrounding legal status is a key driver of health and economic inequities.
In addition to the decision to uphold the DACA program, the US Supreme Court implemented a federal civil rights law that protects gay, lesbian, and transgender workers. The landmark ruling will extend protections to millions of workers nationwide.
UNC Medical Center is proud to have been recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign and remains committed to a respectful and welcoming work environment and culturally appropriate care.
We must all work together to create the safe and inclusive learning environment we want for all of our students, staff, faculty, and trainees.