Protesters Outside Long Island Hospital Call For End To Racism

BAY SHORE, NY — After one nursing student was fired for sending messages on Instagram disparaging Black and Hispanic people, local residents protested in front of Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where she previously worked.

The event was organized by local resident Bobby Smith and took place on Saturday in front of the hospital on E. Main Street. The protest was sparked after the nursing student wrote a message to another hospital employee that the patients at the hospital were all "gang members" who are "Black and Hispanic" and claims they are only treated for gunshot wounds or drinking.

"The fact that my f---ing paycheck goes to these scums is disgusting," she wrote in one message.

In another message, she admits to being a racist and claims she will "never marry or date anyone besides a white kid." She also says all Hispanic people and Black people are "lazy" and "part of gangs."

In response, Northwell Health, which runs the hospital, issued this statement:

"Understandably, the comments caused hurt, pain and anger among those who saw them," the statement reads. "The views expressed were disturbing and have no place in our organization.
"The employee who was under investigation is no longer with the health system. Northwell condemns and does not tolerate any form of hate, racism, discrimination and harassment. We want to emphasize that all Northwell institutions provide the same high-quality health care to all patients regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or any other personal facet."

Smith led the protest over the weekend and is already planning another on July 11.

He said he felt a "pain in his heart" during the rally after hearing another local resident speak about her family member that was treated poorly by healthcare professionals at the hospital.

"Leaving someone soiled in bed is not good treatment, refusing to respond to call bells is not good treatment, feces inside flesh is not good treatment," he said. "Hearing this story made me cry today. These are issues that we face at Southside Hospital."

Smith also said that the purpose of the protest was to call for changes to be made at the hospital.

"We are tired of the VIP treatment [Southside] gives [their] Senior VP's and family members. When they walk in through the ER they get to skip the line of other sick patients," he claims. "We are tired of being abused by healthcare professionals that don't like us because of our skin color."

All photos courtesy of Bobby Smith