We are both saddened and angered by recent events in Atlanta and in other cities and towns across the country where individuals in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have been discriminated against and targeted for violence. This does not reflect American values, and these hateful actions are in opposition to everything NBME stands for. As an organization, we work to protect the health of the public, which includes people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, identities and experiences.
Seeing these instances of cruelty and hearing from pained colleagues who are afraid for themselves and their families are deeply troubling; however, they also amplify our fortitude and commitment to accelerate efforts toward embodying diversity, equity and inclusion in our organization, in our products and services, and in the various communities we impact. This means ensuring NBME is seen and experienced as a safe and accepting place for staff, students, educators and customers around the world, as well as in Philadelphia’s University City, a diverse neighborhood which we are extremely proud to call home.
NBME stands firmly with our Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues in denouncing violence against these communities. We will continue to hold ourselves accountable to speak out against racism and hate and to advocate for and effect change in furtherance of an equitable, peaceful and just tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Peter J. Katsufrakis, MD, MBA
NBME President & CEO
