Statement from the Dean's Office regarding Recent Events

June 3, 2020

Dear TUSDM Community,

Simply put, sometimes we get it wrong. We’d like to acknowledge that there are times that we are seemingly responding appropriately, yet we only scratch the surface of what should be said. To our Black students, staff and faculty, please accept our apologies for sending a message on Sunday which fell short of many of your expectations.

We must first acknowledge that the recent occurrence of incidents that fueled this conversation did not occur in a vacuum. We must acknowledge that change is long overdue from the systemic racism in this country for over 400 years, the brutal and inexplicable killings of African American men and women, and a black man not able to walk or run in his own neighborhood, without fear of possible inhumane treatment.

Our black students, faculty, staff and residents are grossly affected by events that have unfolded recently and as a community we must acknowledge such. We see you; we hear you; we are you. We are your Tufts family and we stand with you through the pain, the inequities, the injustices. We are here to support you and will begin conversations within our community to emphasize our values of belief in a diverse, culturally sensitive and supportive environment and promoting a culture of open communication that fosters a sense of community.

Although it is unfortunate that we cannot gather as a community to promote healing at this moment, we are resolved to support our affected family members. Our doors are open as we begin to navigate next steps. We acknowledge that we still have work to do to deepen this commitment in every facet of our work, and we are prepared to listen, learn, and grow in the service of this mission.  In order to facilitate the work ahead and the conversations and dialogue that need to occur I will also be hiring an Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion.  I intend to name the new Dean later this month.

Thank You,

Nadeem Karimbux, DMD, MMSc.
Dean, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Robert Kasberg
Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Admissions

Dr. Jeanette Sabir-Holloway
Director of Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach