Official Statement on Racial Bias

June 1, 2020 - Cook Children's believes in a culture of inclusiveness and diversity. We encourage empathy and understanding of how others feel and guidance for issues we don't fully understand.

Racism and violence leave a lasting and negative impact on our nation and our world. We are especially concerned about the impression these events leave on our children, as this is wholly contrary to the very Promise that every child's life is sacred that Cook Children's vows to fulfill.

Racism and prejudices of any kind are social determinants of health with impacts that can last throughout the person's lifetime and harms our community and the families we care for on a daily basis.

Collectively, we share in grieving the loss of George Floyd and countless others who have suffered in similar ways and we worry about the effects these actions will have on our children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these three strategies that parents can use to help their children deal with racial bias:

Talk to your children and acknowledge that racial differences and bias exist.
Confront your own bias and model how you want your children to respond to others who may be different than them.
Encourage your children to challenge racial stereotypes and racial bias by being kind and compassionate when interacting with people of all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.

We strongly encourage tolerance and understanding for all, and we understand the importance of moving forward in a spirit of love and community.