June 19, 2020 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Zoom Link to be emailed to all registrants

Police Reform, Health Equity, and Allyship: A Time for Education, Reflection and Action

The Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) is hosting a staff town hall via Zoom in honor of the Juneteenth holiday from 10 am – 1 pm on Friday, June 19. This event is open to all staff members and is in partnership with CEW+.

Event Agenda:

10:00 am
Welcome, Janice Reuben, CEW+

10:05 – 10:55 am
The Role of Staff in the University Discussion and Response to the Global Pandemics of COVID-19 and Racism

Panel Participants:

• Steve Lin, DSA Housing
• Imara Dawson, JD, MPA, International Institute
• Gloryvee Fonseca-Bolorin, MA, CEW+ (moderator)

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the more recent social unrest stemming from police violence toward African-Americans the University of Michigan, has had a number of statements, town halls, and events to address these issues and concerns and to formulate a university response. These discussions have largely focused on faculty and students yet have inadequately included and engaged the thousands of staff members, particularly staff of color, in these discussions and responses. This panel will help set a framework for how the university can and should address these issues that impact the lives of those in its community and what is the role of staff in these efforts. Panelists will share their experiences within the academy as they relate to these issues.

11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Concurrent Breakout Discussions

A. Police & Justice System Reform

Panel Participants:

• Samuel V. Jones, JD, LLM John Marshall Law School
• Latreece Taylor, MS, Planned Parenthood of Michigan
• Rachel Dawson, JD (moderator)

This discussion will explore the historic violence toward and over-policing of African Americans as criminal suspects. Panelists will examine the racial discrimination, arbitrary enforcement, and abuse of authority by police, as well as what reform may be effective is addressing police and prosecutor misconduct. Participants will gain an understanding of the problems that exist between police, prosecutors and the black community and begin to appreciate what reforms may be effective in addressing the problem. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage the panel in this important dialogue.

B. Health Equity in the Midst of COVID

Panel Participants:

• Phyllis Blackman, MPA, OHEI Michigan Medicine
• Preeti Malani, MD, Chief Health Officer, University of Michigan
• Rama Mwenesi, MSE, PeriOperative Services Quality Assurance
• Chinyere Neale, MPA, School of Public Health
• Zarinah Aquil, MEd, Michigan Medicine Medical School Administration (moderator)

This panel will discuss the issues of health access and disparate care for people of color during COVID-19. Panelists will examine what factors contributed to the heightened impact of the virus on African Americans, including historic factors that made diverse populations more vulnerable. Panelists will discuss how access and treatment of patients of color can be improved by Michigan Medicine and beyond and what is being done to address these issues, as well as how the diversification of staff and medical professionals within the health system can improve care for all patients, but especially people of color. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage with members of this panel.

C. From Ally to Accomplice: Working Together for Social Justice Reform

Panel Participants:

• Tazin Daniels, PhD, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (moderator)
• Patricia Coleman-Burns, PhD, School of Nursing
• Shana Schoem, JD, Program on Intergroup Relations
• Angela Ebreo, PhD, Center for the Education of Women+

This discussion will explore allyhood as a developmental process of engaging in education about the issues; reflecting on your own privilege; and taking concrete action to stand in solidarity with marginalized and oppressed groups. Panelists will explore strategies for becoming an accomplice in the workplace and in their communities as well as how multicultural groups can work collectively for meaningful and sustained social change.

12:15 – 12:50 pm
Groups Report out

12:50 pm
Closing Remarks

1:15 pm
Michigan Medicine Juneteenth Tribute & Solidarity Kneel
(8 min, 46 seconds)  – at the hospital or at your home
click for information