Nursing Student Racist
Is the nursing profession, a field dedicated to care and compassion, harboring a silent epidemic of racism? Recent events at Indiana State University, and broader concerns regarding the experiences of student nurses, suggest a deeply troubling reality: systemic discrimination is present, and it is impacting both the learning environment and, potentially, the quality of care provided.
The issue isn't confined to a single institution. Student nurses, bravely stepping into the National Health Service for their placements, have voiced their vulnerability to racism and other forms of discrimination. This disturbing reality, highlighted by incidents like the controversy surrounding Indiana State University nursing student Asa Blanton, compels a crucial examination of the profession's values and practices. The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) have both expressed their deep disturbance at such incidents, labeling the commentary as offensive and completely unacceptable, emphasizing that it does not align with professional standards.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Asa Blanton |
| Age/Year | College Freshman (Nursing Major) - Estimated to be around 18-19 years old |
| University | Indiana State University (ISU) |
| Academic Focus | Nursing |
| Controversy | Posted a video on social media with racist remarks about Black people and Beyonc's country album "Cowboy Carter." |
| Public Reaction | Received significant backlash, prompting protests on campus and statements from university officials. |
| Professional Implications | Possible expulsion from the nursing program at ISU. |
| Reference Website | Indiana State University Official Website |
The events surrounding Blanton, who condemned Beyonc's country album "Cowboy Carter," calling her "not country" and seemingly referencing slavery, serve as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of racism. This incident isn't just a case of a student expressing an opinion; it reveals a deeper problem. The nursing profession and its training grounds, are becoming toxic and unsafe environments because of the intersection of racism with gender and student status.
The university's response, issuing a statement after Blanton's video, underscores the importance of accountability. "Racism, hate speech, and discrimination of any kind is deplorable," stated University President Deborah J. Curtis. This condemnation is crucial, yet the issue extends beyond individual actions. It requires the critical examination of systemic inequities.
Data paints a grim picture. A combined 44% of respondents have reported that racism or discrimination was part of their nursing school's culture to a slight, moderate, or great extent. This is not an isolated issue. Nursing approaches that aim to respond to racism often focus on culture without directly addressing the roots of racist inequity.
The roots of these issues are complex. The whiteness of academic nursing staff and the whiteness of the curriculum contribute to an environment where the impact of racism on the student experience is often overlooked. The lack of institutional support, as some educators have noted, hinders efforts to change this culture. Dismantling racism, as many believe, in nursing and midwifery education isnt a singular revolution or a passing trend, but a way of life and a continuous professional obligation for every nurse and midwife.
The incident at Indiana State University is not an isolated event. It is symptomatic of a broader pattern. Across the country, student nurses are raising their voices, highlighting the vulnerability they face on clinical placements. The systemic racism in Canadian healthcare, for example, is observable through racially inequitable outcomes, particularly for indigenous people. The impact of this environment is a pressing issue.
The controversy also brings into question the very training of future nurses. More opportunities are required within university curricula. This will enable student nurses to learn about, reflect on, and gain support for managing the experiences of discrimination. Moreover, as Curtis stated, blatant displays of racism are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Such actions highlight the critical need for continuous efforts to support diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. This means fostering environments where differences are celebrated. It requires constant vigilance to combat bias and promote respect.
The response to such events is vital. The university may need to possibly expel Asa Blanton from its nursing program. However, expulsion, although a necessary step in some cases, is not a solution. The issue requires a broader approach. It requires the professional values and standards of nursing to be upheld. It needs the development of environments where all are respected and valued, which means all must work together to combat racism, including within the ranks of the nursing profession.
The situation at Indiana State, and similar incidents nationwide, underscores the importance of critical race theory in analyzing these issues. By identifying "whiteness" as an underlying problem, as some researchers suggest, the profession can move beyond superficial solutions. This is a difficult challenge for everyone involved and in different ways. It means recognizing that systemic racism is embedded within the structure of nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The Blanton case is also illustrative of how racism intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as gender and student status, creating toxic environments. This demands a comprehensive approach to address the issue. This may mean investigating the nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It may involve determining if Indiana State University should be a school to educate and run a program such as a BSN if they allow their nursing students to be openly racist and prejudice towards minorities.
The events at Indiana State University, and similar instances across the country, provide a critical opportunity for reflection. It means confronting the uncomfortable truth. The nursing profession has a moral and ethical responsibility to address this head-on. It means ensuring that the future of healthcare is free from bias and discrimination. It requires dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. It requires a way of life and a professional obligation for every nurse and midwife.
