University of Minnesota medical students were given a woke pledge to recite during their “White Coat Ceremony.”
They swore an oath to “honor all Indigenous ways of healing that have been historically marginalized by Western medicine.”
University of Minnesota medical students who are part of the Class of 2026 were given a pledge to swear by during a “White Coat Ceremony” back in August.
The pledge included a land acknowledgment honoring the area’s indigenous population, as well as references to disrupting white supremacy, colonialism and gender norms.
The pledge also said the students would commit to “healing our planet,” and that they would honor “all Indigenous ways of healing that have been historically marginalized by Western medicine.”
Transcript of the pledge below:
From the video above:
With gratitude, we, the students of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Medical School Class of 2026, stand here today among our friends, families, peers, mentors and communities who have supported us in reaching this milestone.
Our institution is located on Dakota land. Today many indigenous people throughout the state of Minnesota, including the Dakota and the Ojibwe call the Twin Cities home.
We also recognize this acknowledgment is not enough. We commit to uprooting the legacy and perpetuation of structural violence deeply embedded within the health care system.
We recognize inequities built by past and present traumas rooted in white supremacy, colonialism, the gender binary, ableism and all forms of oppression.
As we enter this profession with opportunity for growth, we commit to promoting a culture of antiracism, listening and amplifying voices for positive change.
We pledge to honor all indigenous ways of healing that have been historically marginalized by western medicine.
Knowing that health is intimately connected with our environment, we commit to healing our planet and communities.
We vow to embrace our role as community members and strive to embody cultural humility.
We promise to continue restoring trust in the medical system and fulfilling our responsibility as educators and advocates.
We commit to collaborating with social, political and additional systems to advance health equity. We will learn from the scientific innovations made before us and pledge to advance and share this knowledge with peers and neighbors.
We recognize the importance of being in community with, and advocating for, those we serve.
We promise to see the humanity in each patient we serve, empathize with their lived experiences, and be respectful of their unique identities.
We will embrace deep and meaningful connections with patients, and strive to approach every encounter with humility and compassion.
We will be authentic and present in our interactions with patients and hold ourselves accountable for our mistakes and biases.
We promise to communicate with our patients in an accessible manner to empower their autonomy.
We affirm that patients are the experts of their own bodies, and will partner with them to facilitate holistic wellbeing.
We will be lifelong learners, increasing our competence in the art and science of medicine.
We recognize our limits and will seek help to bridge those gaps through inter-professional collaboration.
We will prioritize care for the mind, body and soul of not only our patients, but of our colleagues and selves,’ the new students continued.
With this devotion, we will champion our personal wellness and bring the best versions of ourselves to our profession.
We will support one another as we grow as physicians and people,’ they said, before concluding: ‘We are honored to accept these white coats.
In light of their legacy as a symbol of power, prestige and dominance, we strive to reclaim their identity as a symbol of responsibility, humility and loving kindness.’
Many have pointed out that this looks like a religious experience.
What is going on?