An Update on the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Support for Hate Speech
Diversity Education has a very important role in any Medical Program. Lifestyles vary greatly between communities, particularly in the United States. This can impact the social stigma of a diagnosis, the approach individuals take to an overall healthy lifestyle, or how a treatment plan can be realistically implemented. Also, there is great value in celebrating the accomplishments of the diverse communities which compose the United States.
On Wednesday March 25th, Dr. Velma Scantlebury was honored by PCOM as the first African-American female to perform organ transplant surgeries. Her speech was entitled "Kidneys are Colorblind." President Feldstein was present to honor her achievement. We at No Haters At The Podium would like to join in congratulating Dr. Scantlebury on her achievements and for providing an inspiration to future physicians.However, either Dr. Feldstein was not paying attention to her speech or he was not paying attention when signing off on paying Tim Wise over $7,500 to spew his hate towards the PCOM student body. Perhaps this invitation was driven by other forces in the PCOM administration...perhaps not.
There is still time for Dr. Feldstein to do the right thing and cancel Tim Wise's speeches at PCOM on April 10th and 11th. If he does not, we can only assume that Dr. Feldstein thinks that Jesus is an image of White Supremacy, that the disappearance of White people is to be cheered on and even encouraged, and that there is no African-American, Person of Color, or LGBT individual who is as capable as Tim Wise at addressing his students.
We will be glad to correct this assumption once Dr. Feldstein demonstrates with his actions that he does not hold these views.
-Dan Smith