U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, Danny Davis, and State Rep. La Shawn Ford send letter to University of Illinois President in response to racist teachings at UIC Dental School

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-07), and Illinois Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (8th) sent a letter to University of Illinois President Timothy L. Killeen requesting a meeting following disturbing revelations brought to their attention at UIC’s Dental School. Please click here for a copy of the full letter. 

“After hearing the personal stories of discrimination and promotion of racist ideology, the university must be held accountable for their inaction,” said CBC Health Braintrust Chair Congresswoman Kelly. “The lack of culturally competent training is shocking, especially when untreated dental disease disproportionately afflicts racial and ethnic minorities. For the sake of future students and patients, the University of Illinois must commit to changes that will welcome students of all backgrounds.” 

“As Chairman of the Illinois House Appropriations Committee, I work closely with the University of Illinois and will become laser-focused on working with the committee members, Congresspersons Kelly and Davis, students, and leadership of the institute to rid institutional racism in every department of Illinois' flagship University,” said Rep. La Shawn Ford. “We must recognize that to bring health equity to society we need places of higher learning for all medical professions to eliminate racism at their institutions. The University of Illinois must condemn the professor's reckless teaching immediately, and the harm done must be repaired.”  

“There is something strange and unsettling taken place at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  I am confident in the university top leadership and I know President Timothy L. Killeen &  the new Chancellor know  that these  intolerable reported acts must not and cannot continue,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis. “I look forward to working collaboratively with students, faculty, and management to end these acts of terror.” 

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