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First-of-its-kind professorship expands opportunities, including new master’s program in Maternal, Child, Reproductive and Sexual Health
New York, NY | December 15, 2023 — On Thursday, the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) launched the Byllye Avery Sexual and Reproductive Justice Professorship, the nation’s first and only endowed professorship addressing this area of public health. Named for the esteemed Byllye Avery, a pioneer in women’s health and foremother of the reproductive justice movement, the professorship was launched with an event that included a panel discussion on the state of reproductive justice and health, moderated by Dr. Chelsea Clinton and featuring Avery.
“We are the catalyst to make change happen around women’s healthcare, and we can do that by equipping the next generation of scholars and activists to continue this important work,” said Avery. “Today’s students are coming in with a fire in their belly. It is imperative that we prepare them to meet the challenges that lay ahead. They will be a force to be reckoned with.“
Panelists included Terry McGovern, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs at CUNY SPH; Lynn Roberts, associate dean for student affairs and professor at CUNY SPH; Philicia Castillo-Sanders, doctoral student at CUNY SPH; and Avery herself, who also warmly greeted the crowd.
“Since SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, we have seen a rapid erosion of women’s rights and it is abundantly clear that now is the time for schools of public health to seize the mantle of reproductive justice,” said McGovern. “This professorship will help us develop a solutions-based curriculum focused on preparing the next cadre of sexual and reproductive justice leaders and most importantly, fierce advocates.”
Panelists underscored the importance of the groundbreaking professorship, as it creates new opportunities in academia. As part of the professorship, CUNY SPH will offer a new master’s degree in Maternal, Child, Reproductive, and Sexual Health. The professorship will also expand scholarship through experiential learning opportunities that focus on leadership development, with an emphasis on challenging political environments and anti-evidence trends.
“In our current political climate we need to remain in lockstep with Byllye Avery’s legacy and focus our work on those most affected by inequities,” said Castillo-Sanders. “This professorship will support my fellow students and colleagues–the public health leaders of tomorrow–in thinking critically about systems level solutions needed to achieve sexual and reproductive health equity and wellness for all.”
Through its sexual and reproductive justice curriculum and scholarship, CUNY SPH is working to ensure students are prepared to lead at a time when women and birthing people face unprecedented attacks on their reproductive rights and health. Indeed, the launch brought together reproductive justice and feminist leaders from across the nation, including Loretta Ross, Gloria Steinem and Abigail Disney. Notable city officials and agencies also attended, including New York State Senator Cordell Cleare and Estelle Raboni, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
“Now more than ever, protecting the right to reproductive autonomy is crucial,” said CUNY SPH Dean Ayman El-Mohandes. “We’re proud to add this professorship to the sexual and reproductive work CUNY SPH is engaged in, especially at this dire point in history when these rights are once again under threat.”
For media inquiries, contact:
Ariana Costakes
Communications Editorial Manager
ariana.costakes@sph.cuny.edu
About CUNY SPH
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) is committed to promoting and sustaining healthier populations in New York City and around the world through excellence in education, research and service in public health and by advocating for sound policy and practice to advance social justice and improve health outcomes for all. sph.cuny.edu
