Racial Justice Committee for Change

Voices for Change

Led by our values of racial justice and health equity, we are steadfast in our ongoing commitment to eliminating racism in all forms across our campus. We remain grateful to the members of the Racial Justice Committee for Change, a dedicated group of students, staff and faculty, for leading our pursuit for sustainable change across our medical center.

Origins

In May 2020, cities across the United States and the world erupted in angry protest following the brutal death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police.

The uprising became a movement.

At Georgetown, leaders and groups across the various campuses declared their solidarity with the Black community.

One letter, however, differed from these declarations. On June 3, School of Medicine students penned an open letter to the administration with regard to policy and programmatic changes required for racial justice. 

Reaction and Action

The Racial Justice Committee for Change, co-led by students, faculty and staff from around the Medical Center, formed to address the points laid out in the student letter. Work toward this end is ongoing.

Open Letter Leads to Launch of Racial Justice Committee

As activists across the country protested against racism and police brutality, a group of Georgetown medical students exchanged text messages about how the university should respond. One of them suggested writing an open letter to university leaders. Seventy-two hours later, more than 500 students had signed the letter, which inspired the launch of the Georgetown University Medical Center Racial Justice Committee for Change (RJCC). 

Read More About the Creation of the RJCC

Resources for Change

From the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at GUSOM

From the Georgetown Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching & Service

From the Georgetown Center for Multicultural Equity and Access

From the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action