This past weekend, a valued member of the University of Utah Health team was physically and verbally assaulted while assisting with patient care in the hospital. During this assault, the patient used racist language directed toward the team member.

Unfortunately, incidents like this are trending upward nationally. The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 38% of health care workers will suffer physical violence at some point in their careers. The Utah state legislature recently passed HB32, effectively elevating the criminal charges for violence against health care workers.

Our first priority for all team members, patients, and visitors is safety and protection. We want to be explicitly clear that we will not tolerate physical, verbal, or mental abuse by anyone entering our facilities. Health system leadership supports each and every individual and actively promotes an atmosphere of safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion. U of U Health will not permit any form of aggressive behavior or discriminatory language.

Along with our ongoing commitment to foster a supportive and safe environment for all of our team members, we will be updating signage to make our behavior expectations clear throughout our system, and further refining our security programs to ensure safety for all.

If you experience behavior that is not aligned with our values, please speak with your supervisor or Human Resources contact. The Resiliency Center remains an important resource for our staff who may be experiencing trauma, burnout, or wellness concerns, and we encourage you to utilize their services. Please take care of yourselves and of one another.

Sincerely,

Dan Lundergan, Chief Executive Officer
Alison Flynn Gaffney, Chief Operating Officer (i)
Keith Squires, Chief Safety Officer

What happened

On July 30, 2022, a University of Utah Health staff member was responding to a medical crisis and was assaulted by a patient while providing assistance. The patient physically grabbed the staff member’s hair and called the employee a “f****** w**-b*** b****” multiple times.

What is being done

The individual has been cited on several charges, and University Police detectives are working with the District Attorney’s office regarding criminal charges. The incident was reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA) and the Racist and Bias Incident Response Team. The university is working to provide support to the victim, as well as other impacted and affected members of the U community.

What to do

If you are interested in learning more about the variety of resources the U offers to support diversity and inclusion, please visit the Office of the Dean of Students in the Union Building, Room 270, deanofstudents@utah.edu, 801-581-7066, or Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Park Building, Room 208, or diversity.utah.edu. To make a report of a racist or bias incident, visit the public reporting form. 

The U is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Utah strives to create a campus community where members find a place of safety and belonging and have the space to explore, express, and celebrate their various identities.

We will continue to name racist and biased acts, investigate, and hold the perpetrators of these hateful acts accountable when they are identified. Additionally, we will continue efforts that uplift and celebrate our communities and enhance a sense of belonging on our campus, and strive to live our mission and lead with purpose.