Johns Hopkins Chief Diversity Officer Resigns After Controversy Over 'Privilege' Definition

Dr. Sherita Golden steps down following backlash from a newsletter that sparked debate on diversity and inclusion efforts.

Dr. Sherita Golden, Johns Hopkins Medicine's chief diversity officer, resigns after her newsletter defining 'privilege' led to widespread backlash.
The newsletter, which categorized certain social groups as 'privileged,' attracted criticism from Republican politicians and conservative media.
Golden issued an apology for the newsletter's language, stating it was 'overly simplistic and poorly worded,' and not reflective of the institution's values.
Nearly 700 staff and students signed an open letter in support of Golden, questioning the inconsistency of the backlash with Hopkins' values.
Inez Stewart, chief human resources officer, will lead the diversity office while a national search for a new chief diversity officer is conducted.