Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

The American Public Health Association

Noting that the APHA has affirmed the links between health, health-related issues, and social and environmental factors; and

Noting that the APHA has affirmed the social responsibilities of health professionals to oppose institutional racism; and

Noting that the APHA affirms the responsibility of health professionals to oppose institutional racism which has multiple negative effects on health and health care; and

Noting that Blacks and other minorities continue to face the effects of racism in every aspect of life; and

Noting that the recent events involving the Klu Klux Man and the American Nazi Party's activity (such as occurred on Nov. 3, 1979 in North Carolina) are examples of continuing problems of race relations in our society; and

Noting that the health care workers who were killed were expressing their concerns about their community and our society; therefore

1. Affirms that it is opposed to groups and activities which infringe on the civil liberties of any segment of the citizenry;

2. Encourages its members and state affiliates to promote and support state and local activities in behalf of the rights and protection of health workers and others attempting to increase the access and availability of quality health care and living conditions; and

3. Urges other civic and civil rights organizations to join the Association in demanding an investigation into the events and activities surrounding the killings of health workers.