Another Protest At Southside Hospital To 'Unmask Racism'

BAY SHORE, NY — A second protest calling for an end to racism in health care was held at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore this weekend.

Bobby Smith, director of social justice for the nonprofit African American Educational Cultural Festival, organized the first protest June 27 after a nursing student was fired for sending messages on Instagram disparaging Black and Hispanic people.

Smith organized the second protest Saturday to "unmask racism in health care and the inequalities they say exist in health care for patients and employees," he told Patch.

He also stated the group is calling for the firing of a nurse at the hospital accused of leaving a racist comment on a Facebook post.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Smith

In response, Northwell released the following statement:

"Northwell Health is aware of the social media posts and is investigating the matter. Northwell Health does not tolerate discrimination and is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion for our employees, patients and the community. We promote a culture that treats everyone with dignity and respect."

Smith says he hopes to talk to Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling about how those inequalities can be addressed not just at Southside, but at all Northwell Hospitals.

On Saturday, Smith will be hosting a candlelight vigil to "unmask racism" at the hospital between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.