On determining when institutions should formally address contemporary issues.
In recent weeks, there has been much conversation about the role of institutions like universities and corporations in the public debate about issues of consequence. Questions have emerged about when institutions should take a public position on issues, or, indeed, whether they should be taking positions at all. Today’s essay is a synthesis of prior writing I have done on the subject, engaging with the role of institutions in a time of political disruption, global unrest, and social change, towards doing right by our mission in pursuit of health.
As Dean of a school of public health, I come to this from a particular perspective, informed by my work in an academic setting. However, the following thoughts could well apply to any institution as it grapples with how to engage with this moment when much is at stake and the prospects of both speaking out and not speaking out on issues of consequence can feel equally fraught.
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