Complaint claims Columbia University Hospital DEI Chief is a repeat plagiarist
Plagiarism Allegations Against Columbia University’s Chief Diversity Officer
The chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer of Columbia University’s medical school, Alade McKen, is facing serious allegations of extensive plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation. The complaint, submitted to the university, accuses McKen of lifting entire pages of material without proper attribution, including from sources like Wikipedia.
The allegations implicate approximately a fifth of McKen’s 163-page dissertation, titled “‘UBUNTU’ I am because we are: A case study examining the experiences of an African-centered Rites of Passage program within a community-based organization.” The complaint highlights that more than two pages are nearly identical to Wikipedia’s entry on ”Afrocentric education,” without any citation.
Furthermore, McKen’s dissertation includes paragraphs taken from well-known African scholars, such as Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu from the University of Rwanda, with only minor changes made to the wording. Surprisingly, some of the scholars he allegedly plagiarized are mentioned in the bibliography but not properly cited within the text.
“The passages you shared can definitely be classified as plagiarism,” stated Ezeanya-Esiobu, one of the scholars whose work was plagiarized. She pointed out that McKen lifted significant portions from her 2019 chapter without giving proper credit.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Columbia’s research integrity officer and Iowa State University, where the dissertation was submitted, have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Responsibilities and Background of Alade McKen
Alade McKen, who holds a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University, currently oversees all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs for staff at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. This includes the prestigious Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, making it the largest campus under his purview.
The medical center’s DEI initiatives encompass mandatory “antiracism” training for faculty and admissions officers, as well as an expedited hiring process for minority scholars.
McKen also collaborates with the Columbia provost’s office, which handles tenure decisions for the entire university. However, it remains unclear whether he has oversight of faculty and doctors.
Prior to his role at the medical center, McKen served as the assistant dean of recruitment, diversity, and inclusion for Columbia’s graduate school of architecture. His current position was created in 2021 as part of the university’s efforts to address “structural racism” in healthcare.
Plagiarism Scandals in Ivy League Schools
The complaint against McKen is the latest in a series of plagiarism scandals involving diversity administrators at Ivy League institutions. Similar allegations have been made against Shirley Greene, the Title IX coordinator at Harvard Extension School, and Sherri Ann Charleston, Harvard University’s chief diversity officer.
These accusations follow the resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay, whose published work was implicated in a plagiarism scandal.
While McKen’s dissertation contains some of the most egregious examples of plagiarism, it is worth noting that he has also published multiple academic articles. These articles, with titles like “Black Men in Engineering Graduate Education: Experiencing Racial Microaggressions Within the Advisor–Advisee Relationship,” raise questions about the extent of his academic misconduct.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Columbia University and Iowa State University will address the allegations against McKen.
How might the plagiarism allegations against Alade McKen impact Columbia University’s recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in the medical field?
Ncludes initiatives related to recruitment, retention, and the promotion of underrepresented groups in the medical field. Prior to his role at Columbia, McKen served as the assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion at New York Medical College. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity in educational institutions and has presented at various conferences on the topic.
Implications for Columbia University
The plagiarism allegations against Alade McKen, if proven true, not only tarnish his reputation but also raise questions about the university’s vetting process and academic integrity. As the chief diversity officer at Columbia’s medical school, McKen holds a position of influence and authority. If he is found guilty of plagiarism, it would be a significant blow to the university’s commitment to ethical conduct and transparency.
Plagiarism is a serious offense in academia and undermines the principles of intellectual honesty and originality. It is considered a breach of trust, as scholars are expected to give credit to the sources they draw from and engage in critical analysis rather than simply regurgitating others’ work. If the allegations are substantiated, it would call into question the rigor and credibility of McKen’s doctoral dissertation, potentially impacting his qualifications for his current role.
Moreover, the allegations may also have broader implications for the diversity and inclusion initiatives led by McKen at Columbia. The chief diversity officer plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality on campus, and any misconduct on their part could undermine the trust and confidence of the university community.
The Importance of Academic Integrity
Plagiarism is not a new phenomenon, but with the advancement of technology and easy access to information, the temptation to copy and paste has become more prevalent. However, educational institutions have a responsibility to uphold high standards of academic integrity and to ensure that students and faculty understand the consequences of plagiarism.
By addressing allegations of plagiarism seriously and transparently, universities can send a clear message that intellectual theft will not be tolerated. This approach is vital for maintaining the credibility and reputation of academic institutions and preserving the value of research and scholarship.
Furthermore, it is essential that universities provide adequate support and resources to students and faculty to promote responsible research and writing practices. This includes offering workshops on proper citation techniques, providing access to plagiarism detection software, and fostering a culture of academic integrity.
A Call for Investigation
In light of the plagiarism allegations against Alade McKen, it is imperative that Columbia University and Iowa State University conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the misconduct and take appropriate action. The investigation should ensure fairness and due process for all parties involved.
Additionally, it is crucial for universities to review their vetting processes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. This may involve enhancing the scrutiny of doctoral dissertations, strengthening plagiarism detection measures, and providing ongoing training on academic integrity for students and faculty.
The allegations against Alade McKen serve as a reminder that plagiarism can occur in any academic setting and by individuals in positions of authority. It is essential for universities to remain vigilant in upholding academic integrity and to hold all members of their community accountable for their actions.
Ultimately, addressing and resolving the plagiarism allegations against McKen is not only necessary for the integrity of Columbia University but also for the broader academic community. By taking appropriate action, universities can reaffirm their commitment to fostering an environment of intellectual honesty, preserving the value of research and scholarship, and upholding the principles of academic integrity that are vital to the advancement of knowledge and society as a whole.
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