Dr. Maurer comments on the passage of Initiative 424

Harold M. Maurer, M.D.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a message from UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., regarding the passage of Initiative 424, which prohibits the consideration of gender, race, ethnicity or national origin in public contracting, public employment and public education.)

I’m deeply disappointed by the passage of Initiative 424. While the University of Nebraska Medical Center will continue to comply with all federal and state requirements, our campus remains strongly committed to diversity within the law.

Having a diverse health care workforce is essential to solving our nation’s health care crisis. When we have faculty, students and staff with different perspectives and experiences, we create a campus where the best ideas, research and patient care make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. This remains our goal.

President Milliken on Initiative 424 Below is a comment from University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken on the passage of Initiative 424. “The passage of Initiative 424 will change the law in Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska will, of course, comply with the law. At the same time, we remain committed to increasing opportunity and diversity on our campuses. The Board of Regents has spoken clearly on its commitment to this goal, and we believe that commitment is widely shared by Nebraskans. We will undertake a review of our programs and initiatives and make changes we believe are required. And we will continue to do all we can, consistent with federal and state law, to extend access to the university as broadly as possible, to encourage under-represented populations to participate in higher education, and to continue to provide educational and economic opportunity to Nebraskans.”

I have asked Rubens Pamies, M.D., UNMC vice chancellor for academic affairs, to appoint a diversity committee. Its members will assess our programs and scholarships in light of the passage of this amendment and recommend strategies to sustain our commitment to diversity programs.

While a pending legal challenge could alter the fate of Initiative 424, we will move forward with an evaluation of our internal programs. Furthermore, our faculty, staff and students will continue their work to encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in science and apply to UNMC.

UNMC remains proud of its commitment to diversity. The requirements of Initiative 424 do not change our desire to put that commitment into action within the law. In our view, both the educational excellence and the health of our society require that we encourage, recruit and train future health care professionals to serve our multi-faceted community.

In closing, I realize there may still be concerns or questions about the requirements of Initiative 424. I encourage you to email your thoughts or questions to diversity@unmc.edu or visit our diversity Web site for more information, www.unmc.edu/diversity.

Sincerely,

Harold M. Maurer, M.D.

UNMC Chancellor