Duke Medical School claims 'perfectionism,' 'individualism', and 'timeliness' are tools of 'white supremacy'

Duke University Medical School has asserted that certain traits, including “timeliness,” “perfectionism,” and “individualism,” are components of what it describes as “white supremacy culture.” These claims were outlined in a 2021 plan titled "Dismantling Racism and Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Medicine."

The plan stated that its goal is to "catalyze anti-racist practice through education.” It condemned what it called “white supremacy culture,” defining it as “the idea (ideology) that White people and the ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and actions of white people are superior to People of Color and their ideas, thoughts, beliefs and actions,” according to Fox News. The document highlighted a number of things that are part of “white supremacy culture,” such as being on time, work style, and adhering to a specific dress code.

The document further claimed that America has an "unquestioned and unearned set of advantages, entitlements, benefits and choices bestowed on people solely because they are White." It referenced Critical Race Theory (CRT), noting that “the social construction of race and racism is a regular component of American society; it is embedded in structures such as law, culture, and economics, which supports the interests of White people.”

"In the workplace, white supremacy culture explicitly and implicitly privileges whiteness and discriminates against non-Western and non-white professionalism standards related to dress code, speech, work style, and timeliness," the document continued. "Some identifiable characteristics of this culture includes perfectionism, belief that there’s only one right way, power hoarding, individualism, sense of urgency and defensiveness." 

At one point, the document mentioned the concept of “fragility,” referring to Robin DiAngelo’s 2018 book "White Fragility," which argued that white people often lack understanding of racism due to their privilege and unconscious biases.

Dr. Mary E. Klotman, Dean of the School of Medicine, praised the guide and said it positively reflects the school’s goals and priorities.

"Our plan for dismantling racism and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion was created with an intentional and appropriate need for flexibility," said Klotman. "As you read this plan, consider the actions you might take individually, with your teams, and in your local units to support our collective goals. Each of you will play an important role in advancing our mission to dismantle racism and promote equity, diversity and inclusion at Duke and beyond."