Portraits of Diversity
Preview:
The corridors and lecture halls of colleges and universities and their academic medical centers are traditionally adorned with oil portraits portraying former presidents, chancellors, deans, academic department chairs, professors and other notables. Dressed in academic gowns, or in starched white laboratory coats or surgical scrub suits, they appear with their hands resting on a stack of books, a microscope or some other object used to indicate their scholarly interest. Looking wise, thoughtful and distinguished, the portraits stare down at passersby walking through hallways or students seated in lecture halls. In the vast majority of cases, the individuals portrayed are gray-haired white men.
Originally published: July 6, 2020
Author: Edward C. Halperin
Position: Chancellor
Institution: New York Medical College
Published by: Inside Higher Ed