The Student Scoop: Ethics and COVID-19

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In: Kegley Institute of Ethics

The Student Scoop: Ethics and COVID-19

Contributed by Josiah Youngblood, KIE Student Assistant

To start the 2020 Fall Semester at CSUB, the Kegley Institute of Ethics (KIE) hosted their first virtual event on September 10th. The world is currently in a discombobulated state due to COVID-19, prompting KIE to hold the Ethics and COVID-19: A Moderated Conversation webinar. This event featured bioethicists and medical professionals: Dr. Keisha Ray, Dr. Christopher Meyers, and Dr. Nimisha Amin.

This Ethics and COVID-19 webinar went in-depth on not only ethics but many other current topics: from the recent developments of Coronavirus Vaccines to contemporary medical and social injustices that have arisen in light of COVID-19. Lastly, the webinar allowed viewers to participate by submitting their questions and receive vital answers from experts to help dismiss misinformation and also promote people’s confidence and security in these times of doubt and uncertainty.

A plethora of topics were discussed over the length of the edifying webinar which can still be watched on the KIE YouTube page. Dr. Meyers urged a core commitment to “try not to harm other folks” and perform the safest actions possible for yourself and others in your community by being aware, socially distancing, and wearing a mask. This point was elaborated by Dr. Amin when she discussed a “quaran-team” in which two or more families stick together that have similar viewpoints and practice social distancing to allow room for yourself to have a psychologically healthy environment. Furthermore, Dr, Amin noted that “we have this virus that does not have a strong predilection for children, and yet our children are the ones who may very well have the longest impacts” in the long term. Dr. Armin illustrated that coming together safely with others is still a very necessary part of life, and is fundamental in child development.

Moving to another insight, Dr. Ray shared that “we have to look at the inequities a little bit deeper than just what COVID-19 is doing to our [U.S.A] people of color.” Continuing to express her position, Dr. Ray noted that racial bias and racism have been evident in current statistics that show persons of color are infected at disproportionate rates as well as through the experiences that students and others have relayed directly to Dr. Ray. Touching on inquisitive points, Dr. Ray beckons us to question our own racial biases, reflect on how to be proactive instead of reactive, and call for change within the U.S. healthcare system and the United States of America as a whole.

To conclude, KIE highly recommends everyone to watch (or listen!) to Ethics and COVID-19: A Moderated Conversation on the KIE YouTube page. With a multitude of questions regarding Ethics and COVID-19 still remaining, a great number of answers can be found at the event recording. Keep an eye out for the Kegley Institute of Ethics social media and website to receive more information about local and national ethics.