After nearly two years of responding in crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, we again find ourselves battling several challenges. The Omicron surge in cases has pushed healthcare workers and hospitals to their limits of capacity and energy. Amid this, there is disruption and anxiety in navigating through protests, with targeted aggressiontowards healthcare workers, researchers, and advocates. Those who are tirelessly working to heal our communities are unjustly being exposed to symbols and words of hate in their places of work and healthcare environments. These racially and religiously charged acts are happening inside and outside of our buildings, and have intensified into our online spaces as well. These elements have been combined with anti-vaccine sentiments and the broader harassment of healthcare workers and learners.
Police services may not feel like a safe option for all, but can provide security guidance for specific circumstances. It can be helpful to have advocate or ally be present with you when engaging these services.
We hope that in taking collective care, we can mobilize as a Faculty to denounce all forms of hate and to commit to the work of justice. We stand with you and are confident in our ability to unite as a community.
Dr. Lisa Richardson
Associate Dean, Inclusion & Diversity
Temerty Faculty of Medicine