As a pathology and laboratory community, we grieve with the nation. Just months before the death of George Floyd at the hands of authorities, another black man, Ahmaud Arbery, was gunned down. One month after Mr. Arbery’s death, Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by police in her own home. The College of American Pathologists stands in solidarity with the black community to condemn racism and injustice and we stand united in the fight against both.
Following, find a personal note from the CAP President.
We’ve seen racism and injustice in the news. Ahmaud Arbery was shot down on a street in Glynn County, Georgia, near my own practice and community where I live. This sickens me. The killing of black men and women only because they are black cannot be tolerated.
I am saddened to find the need to write this letter—but not because of what should be said, as what should be said is crystal clear and right. As the son of parents who spent much of their lives fighting discrimination, racism, and injustice, I am sickened by the recent events that have taken place in this country. Because of my father’s work, I can talk about great people, such as Martin Luther King Sr. and Andrew Young with firsthand knowledge and experience. So, I write with the same spirit and urgency that my father wrote similar letters 50 years ago. I’m deeply saddened that things have not changed nearly enough.
The College of American Pathologists condemns racism, injustice, and discrimination in all their forms. We stand united against these despicable things. We are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We are committed to mutual respect, listening, and understanding.
As physicians, we work for the betterment of all people no matter their race, socioeconomic status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or place of birth.
We are the College of American Pathologists.
Sincerely,
Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP
President
College of American Pathologists