Anti-Racism in Public Health Education: A Student-Driven Model for Change in a Master's of Public Health Program

Background:

Research suggests racial health inequities are created and maintained by systemic racism. White people will disproportionately benefit from public health interventions until systemic racism is dismantled. Thus, graduate-level public health programs should be grounded in anti-racism principles to equip students with the skills to eliminate racial inequities. Students of the University of Washington’s Community-Oriented Public Health Practice Program (COPHP) advocated their program adopt principles developed by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond related to undoing institutional racism (UIR).

 

Methods:

Using the People’s Institute definition of racism, we analyzed our program’s policies and practices to develop recommendations for more equitable classroom culture and curriculum. We collaborated with faculty and students to provide anti-racist workshops, culminating in a planning meeting. We consulted with community-based organizations to maintain accountability to the communities we will serve.

 

Results:

A large majority of COPHP students and about half the faculty have completed UIR workshops. Based on this student-driven work, faculty members established the goal of becoming the first anti-racist public health program. We incorporated an anti-racism commitment statement for all syllabi, and our course evaluations now include questions pertaining to classroom climate and inclusivity. Students have continued to facilitate this process by attending faculty meetings, leading discussions, and serving on the admissions committee.

 

Conclusion:

Undoing racism within an MPH program is an iterative process with many institutional barriers. However, this work shows a graduate MPH program can produce an anti-racist workforce dedicated to eradicating disparities and moving our society towards health equity.