A strategic plan from Duke Medical School has sparked controversy for suggesting that punctuality is a form of "White supremacy culture." The guide, titled "Dismantling Racism and Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Medicine," outlines the school's goals for creating an "Anti-Racist Workforce."
Duke University's School of Medicine has come under fire for a strategic plan that claims expecting people of color to be on time is a form of "White supremacy culture." The document, titled "Dismantling Racism and Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Medicine," has raised eyebrows for its unconventional definition of racism and its implications for workplace professionalism.
The guide defines "White supremacy culture" as the idea that "White people and the ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and actions of white people are superior to People of Color and their ideas, thoughts, beliefs and actions." It argues that punctuality, dress code, speech, and work style are all aspects of White supremacy culture that discriminate against non-Whites.
Duke Medical School Claims Punctuality is White Supremacy Culture
According to the document, "In the workplace, white supremacy culture explicitly and implicitly privileges whiteness and discriminates against non-Western and non-white professionalism standards related to dress code, speech, work style, and timeliness." It further describes White supremacy culture as "power hoarding" and "sense of urgency," implying that these characteristics are inherently racist.
The plan, which was praised by the school's dean, Dr. Mary E. Klotman, outlines a series of steps to create an "Anti-Racist Workforce." This includes establishing pipelines for recruitment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and community colleges.
Duke Medical School Claims Punctuality is White Supremacy Culture
The document also discusses the concept of "White fragility," defined as "feelings of discomfort a White person experiences when they witness or engage in discussions around racial inequality and injustice." The guide suggests that White people may become defensive and engage in "a range of defensive actions, feelings, and behaviors, such as anger, fear and silence" when confronted with conversations about racism.
Critical race theory, which holds that America is systemically racist and places people in oppressed v. oppressor categories, forms the theoretical underpinning of the guide. It argues that "the social construction of race and racism is a regular component of American society; it is embedded in structures such as law, culture, and economics, which supports the interests of White people."
Duke Medical School Claims Punctuality is White Supremacy Culture
Some advocates for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) have embraced the idea that professionalism is racially biased. Articles published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review and the UCLA Law Review challenge the notion of timeliness as a neutral standard, suggesting that it is rooted in Western and White supremacist values.
The National Museum for African American History and Culture also provided a perspective on the link between whiteness and punctuality. According to the institution, "whiteness was linked to 'delayed gratification; 'Objective, rational linear thinking;' 'cause and effect relationships;' and 'decision-making.'"
Duke Medical School Claims Punctuality is White Supremacy Culture
Duke's School of Medicine has stated that "equity, diversity, and inclusion are core elements of institutional excellence." However, the controversial guide's implications for workplace standards and the definition of racism have raised concerns among critics.
The document has sparked debate on the role of critical race theory in shaping workplace culture and the potential consequences of redefining professionalism along racial lines.
