Feb. 09, 2022 – Polarizing events in the U.S. over the last several years have put those on the frontlines at risk. Today, the American Thoracic Society issued the following statement condemning the recent spate of violence against health care professionals:
The American Thoracic Society joins others in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, individuals who commit or threaten to commit acts of physical, psychological, and/or emotional violence against any member of the health care community. Most troubling, racially motivated attacks against health care workers have long been a problem and have only increased in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent Neo-Nazi demonstration in Boston highlights the problem and the need to act immediately.
Perpetrators of violence are often protected by Freedom of Speech and Expression arguments and are aided and abetted by silent complicity. However, violence and intimidation are not protected speech and have no place in a free and open society. Moreover, how often have we heard, “they’re simply misunderstood,” and “these are just the attitudes or acts of a few individuals.”
That is simply not acceptable.
Violence, in any form, must be condemned not only by the colleagues of those targeted but also by the leadership of the institutions where they occur. We have a moral and ethical obligation, if not a legal responsibility, to denounce these acts and support our professional colleagues to the greatest possible extent, including taking legal action against anyone who commits or threatens to commit harm. We will not turn a blind eye to violence. We must continue the fight to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environments.
Lynn M. Schnapp, MD, ATSF, President
Gregory P. Downey, MD, ATSF, President-Elect
Juan C. Celedón, MD, DrPH, ATSF, Immediate Past President
Patricia Rivera, MD, ATSF, Vice President
Irina Petrache, MD, ATSF, Secretary-Treasurer
Karen Collishaw, MPP, CAE, Executive Director
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Violence against any member of the health care community is not acceptable, and @atscommunity condemns, in the strongest possible terms, individuals who commit such acts. Read our statement:
