“Consistent with the School of Medicine’s longstanding commitment to equity and inclusion,
when employees in the Institute for Global Health brought concerns to our attention last year, we
promptly initiated an internal review after which appropriate steps were taken. We deny the
allegations of discrimination. We will not comment further on pending litigation other than to
say that we intend to vigorously defend the action."

STATEMENT FROM MOUNT SINAI:
“Consistent with the School of Medicine’s longstanding commitment to equity and inclusion,
when employees in the Institute for Global Health brought concerns to our attention last year, we
promptly initiated an internal review after which appropriate steps were taken. We deny the
allegations of discrimination. We will not comment further on pending litigation other than to
say that we intend to vigorously defend the action."
ON BACKGROUND – Communication shared with the Mount Sinai community on 5/8:
Since the Mount Sinai School of Medicine opened in 1968, we have been an institution driven by
a core set of values. Those values—including equality, diversity, and inclusion—permeate every
aspect of our work and community. That is why we would like to take a moment to address
recent allegations involving the Institute for Global Health. Last week, a lawsuit was filed by a
group of current and former staff alleging discrimination at the Institute.
We believe that these claims are unfounded, and we will vigorously defend against them. When
concerns were brought to our attention a year ago, we took them very seriously. We immediately
launched a comprehensive investigation, which included interviews with more than a dozen
current and former members of the Institute’s staff. The investigation did not substantiate the
allegations of discrimination against employees. But it did bring to our attention management
issues at the Institute that led to the creation of an oversight committee, to which we appointed
deans and senior faculty, to monitor and guide the management and activities of the Institute.
The issues reviewed include workplace culture, research, and policies around hiring,
advancement, and salary. The committee continues to meet and we will take appropriate actions
based on its work. Throughout our careers, we have both been committed to gender equity. We
at Mount Sinai understand we must work every day to ensure that the institution is a welcoming
place for everyone. Both before and after the review and creation of the oversight committee, we
took several steps aimed at ensuring fairness and equality.
They include:
●
The creation of a Deanship for Gender Equity in Science and Medicine and the
appointment of Carol R. Horowitz, MD, a Professor of Population Health Science and Policy, to
the position.
●
The creation of a formal policy that specifically addresses the mistreatment of students and
postdoctoral fellows.

 ●
The appointment of Jonathan Ripp, MD, MPH, as Senior Associate Dean for Well-Being
and Resilience, and Chief Wellness Officer. These initiatives and appointments complement our
longstanding Office for Women’s Careers, led by Sandra K. Masur, PhD, and Office for
Diversity and Inclusion, led by Gary Butts, MD. Together, they work to support Mount Sinai’s
longtime commitment to furthering the careers of women in science and medicine, and to
enforce our human resources policies and ensure a fair and safe work environment.
As we head towards our commencement this week, we want to assure you that Mount Sinai will
continue to work to live up to our values by educating and training the best medical
professionals, investing in twenty-first-century research, and continuing to maintain an equitable
workplace and a diverse and talented team."