American Academy of Pediatrics issues apology for blocking two black doctors’ memberships
The doctors were eventually admitted in 1945
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Your support makes all the difference.The American Academy of Pediatrics is apologising for denying two black doctors entry to its organisation 80 years ago.
In addition to apologising for the specific rejections, the professional organisation also apologised for other rejections that were rooted in prejudice.
Dr Roland Boyd Scott and Dr Alonzo deGrate Smith first applied to the organisation in 1939. They were faculty members at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC at the time. Over the following six years, the pair were repeatedly rejected by the AAP.
In 1945, the AAP relented and allowed the doctors membership into the organisation. They became the first two black AAP members in the organisation.
Previously, the pair became the first black board certified doctors in pediatrics in 1934.
Mr Scott became a researcher of sickle cell in addition to his involvement at Howard University. Mr Smith became a professor at the college and focused on medical research and raised awareness for children’s health issues.
“When they applied to AAP to become members, they faced a ‘shameful gauntlet to membership’ that lasted six years, through multiple meetings of the AAP Executive Committee,” the AAP wrote in a statement.
Dr Sally Goza, President of the AAP, said the “apology is long overdue”.
The organisation decided to issue a formal apology for its past racist behaviour.
“The AAP is celebrating our 90th anniversary this year — and we have accomplished a lot of good things for children,” Ms Goza said. “But we must also acknowledge where we have failed to live up to our ideals. That is the only way we can work together to build a better future.”
A policy statement that includes the apology and the organisation’s dedication to eliminating discrimination based on one’s race, sexual orientation, religion or gender identity will be published in September.
Dr Joseph Wright, a member of the AAP Board of Directors, said that “formally reckoning with past transgressions and calling racism by name” was the “only path forward” for the equality to be achieved within the organisation.
“At this inflection point in our nation’s history, it is fitting that the Academy is publicly and transparently highlighting its continued leadership commitment to address all threats to the health and wellbeing of children and their families,” Mr Wright said.
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