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Actions Speak Louder Than Words: What to...

Riefberg, Vivian

Case

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: What to Do to Address Racial Disparities?

Riefberg, Vivian

OB-1323 | Published July 9, 2021 | 5 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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In mid-June 2021, prominent attorney Jane Goldman, who lived and practiced in Danbury, Connecticut, was asked if she might be interested in getting more involved with the local hospital, possibly even serving on its board. She had been raised in Danbury; she was active with the local hospice, Catholic Charities; and she considered herself a progressive, thoughtful person. Although she had no background in health care, she was considering it. Danbury was racially diverse and had been considered a progressive town, but Goldman was learning more about its troubled history of racial violence. She was also learning that while Danbury Hospital was starting to employ more women doctors, the leadership was still overwhelmingly white and male. With COVID-19 disproportionately impacting Black and Brown people and laying bare huge disparities, she wanted to go on the board only if she could make a difference. She wondered, what should the local hospital—the only hospital in the community—be doing? And, given ongoing racism and racial disparities, what should the hospital do now and over time?