University of Minnesota to Shut Down Antiracism Research Center: What It Means for Social Justice Initiatives

A message from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health announced the closure of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity (CARHE) on May 30. SPH Dean Melinda Pettigrew stated that they’re re-evaluating their approach to health equity research and will work with affected staff and students for a smooth transition.

Recently, Rachel Hardeman, CARHE’s founding director, left her post amid allegations of plagiarism. Dr. Brigette Davis accused Hardeman of copying her dissertation in a LinkedIn post. Following this, Pettigrew informed faculty that Hardeman would step down by May 14, recognizing her achievements, including her inclusion in TIME 100 Most Influential People in 2024.

A spokesperson for Hardeman clarified that her exit was planned over a year and wasn’t directly tied to the plagiarism claims. The University confirmed a complaint against Hardeman, but details were not disclosed due to privacy laws.

In her 2021 launch video for CARHE, Hardeman discussed how racism affects health outcomes in Black and Indigenous communities in Minnesota, highlighting issues like COVID-19 deaths and infant mortality. The center was initially funded with a $5 million grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota.

Hardeman expressed her disappointment over the closure. She stated, “The closure is not a reflection of CARHE’s work. It’s a reflection of the University’s failure to support antiracism work when it becomes inconvenient.” She emphasized that the mission would continue outside the University’s framework.

Dean Pettigrew reassured the community of the School of Public Health’s dedication to advancing health equity and collaborating with stakeholders for future initiatives.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota also commented on the situation, stating it’s an internal matter for the university. They remain committed to improving health outcomes through grants and community support.

In a time when health disparities are under scrutiny, the closure of CARHE raises questions about institutional support for crucial research that addresses systemic issues.

For more on this development, you can read the University’s official announcement here.

Source link

Callan Gray,Racism,Research,University of Minnesota