In their recent company newsletter, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity (DEI) at Johns Hopkins Medicine published a “privilege” list, which sparked criticism. Dr. Sherita H. Golden, chief diversity officer, authored the January 2024 edition, which featured the diversity word of the month, ‘privilege’ and elaborated on the various social groups that are regarded as ‘privileged’.
As per the newsletter, privilege is an unmerited benefit bestowed upon particular social groups, with its effects permeating the personal, institutional, cultural, and interpersonal spheres. Privilege is bestowed upon members of certain social identity groups in the United States, including but not limited to the following: white individuals, those who are able-bodied, heterosexuals, cisgender people, males, Christians, middle or owning class individuals, middle-aged people, and English-speaking individuals.
The newsletter emphasized that individuals in positions of privilege frequently fail to recognize it, which can mislead them into believing that their privileges are automatic or that all that is required to obtain them is effort. Nevertheless, the newsletter provided clarification that these advantages are bestowed automatically upon members of dominant groups, irrespective of their intentions, and cannot be earned.
After this message went viral, Dr. Golden issued a retraction and apology for the newsletter, recognizing that the exclusionary and hurtful content was the result of excessively simplistic and poorly worded language. Golden expressed remorse for the shared definition and pledged to ensure that future communications more accurately reflect the organizational values of Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Johns Hopkins Medicine, in response to inquiries, affirmed the veracity of both the initial newsletter and the subsequent retraction. According to a spokesperson, the newsletter’s January issue contained language that was in direct opposition to the institutional values of Johns Hopkins. The spokesperson further stated that Dr. Golden had sinceribly recognized the error.
This occurrence ensues from prior censure that Johns Hopkins Medicine received for disseminating a pronoun usage manual containing dozens of pronouns, including “aerself” and “faerself,” in order to assist individuals in navigating a recently implemented inclusive ID policy. This case underscores the continuous discussions and obstacles surrounding efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within academic and medical establishments.