Statements & Announcements

In the two weeks since I wrote about the terrible events in the Middle East, I have heard from many in our community. While, it will come as no surprise that there are a variety of views on current events and on the long-standing conflict expressed by students, staff, and faculty, there are common themes.

I am writing today with two pieces of news—the first of which is bittersweet. Our wonderful colleague Jose G. “Oying” Rimon II has decided to retire from the faculty after a distinguished career in public health that has spanned more than 40 years. This includes ten years of visionary leadership at the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. 

Second, I am excited to share that the Institute has been renamed the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health

Like many in our community and around the world, I am devastated by this week’s events in the Middle East. In reflecting on the weight of these events, I have drawn strength from the work here at the School.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Meatless Monday—the revolutionary public health campaign that continues to grow in influence, relevance, and importance. As we reflect on its extraordinary evolution, we are reminded of the mounting reasons that meat reduction must be front and center on our public health agendas.  

This weekend, two people were killed and 28 wounded in a shooting at a block party in Baltimore’s Brooklyn neighborhood. Most of the victims were teenagers. Our hearts are with all of those who are left grieving and traumatized by this violent act. And sadly, this was just one of many incidents of tragic gun violence in the U.S. this weekend.  

The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a ruling that severely curtails colleges and universities from considering race as a factor in admissions.

In the face of this ruling, it is vital that we reaffirm our commitment to create a socially just and welcoming School environment where all can thrive.

In many U.S. states, legislators are pursuing discriminatory legislation targeting transgender people. Many of these laws—and the often-hateful discourse surrounding them—are intended to limit access to high-quality health care supported by leading professional medical associations.

The Bloomberg School has again been named the #1 public health school in the nation by our peer schools and programs in this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings. Our School has held the top spot since the rankings began in 1994. 

Preventive care and reproductive health are bedrocks of public health—but in both areas, judges have recently intervened, undermining public health efforts and putting the nation's health at risk.