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NYC Health Dept. Faces Criticism Over 'Oppression' Training

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. pt-faces-criticism-over-oppression-training.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 16:03 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 6th, 2026 - The New York City Department of Health is facing mounting criticism over a recently revealed internal training program focused on the impact of global oppression and systemic racism on health outcomes. Investigative journalist Janice Epstein's report, initially published earlier this week, has ignited a firestorm of debate about the appropriate use of taxpayer funds and the department's priorities.

The program, titled "Understanding Oppression," is presented as a core component of the department's ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative. According to Epstein's reporting, the curriculum delves into complex socio-political concepts far beyond traditional public health concerns. Topics covered include not only racism and sexism, but also colonialism, white supremacy, global capitalism, intersectionality, and considerations of gender, sexuality, and ableism.

One anonymous Department of Health staffer, speaking to Epstein, described the program's aim as "unpacking how systems of oppression...impact health." While acknowledging the importance of addressing health disparities, critics are questioning the scope and cost of the training, arguing that it's a significant diversion from the department's primary mission: protecting and improving the health of New York City residents.

Documents obtained by Epstein, including a promotional flyer for the program, confirm that participants are guided through explorations of how oppression manifests and affects wellbeing. However, the emphasis on global oppression is a major point of contention. Opponents argue that while understanding the historical roots of inequality is valuable, the program's focus should be squarely on addressing local health challenges - soaring rates of asthma in certain neighborhoods, persistent gaps in maternal mortality, increasing rates of mental health crises, and the ongoing struggle to ensure equitable access to healthcare across all five boroughs.

"It's disturbing to see New York City employees getting paid to learn about global oppression when they should be focused on addressing immediate health concerns in our city," stated one critic who spoke with Epstein. This sentiment is echoed by numerous city council members who are now calling for a full accounting of the program's costs and objectives.

The financial implications are also drawing scrutiny. Epstein's report indicates that the department is utilizing external consultants to facilitate the training sessions, with fees exceeding $2,000 per session. This raises concerns about wasteful spending, particularly given the current budgetary constraints facing many city agencies. Some are questioning whether these funds could be better allocated to initiatives directly impacting public health, such as increased staffing at overburdened clinics, expansion of preventative care programs, or addressing the city's chronic shortage of affordable housing - a major determinant of health.

The Department of Health's initial silence on the matter has only fueled the controversy. While a spokesperson eventually acknowledged the existence of the program, they offered little in the way of explanation or justification. Pressure is now mounting on Health Commissioner Dr. Anya Sharma to provide a detailed response to the criticisms and demonstrate how the "Understanding Oppression" program aligns with the department's core mission.

This incident is not happening in a vacuum. Across the country, DEI initiatives in both the public and private sectors are facing increased pushback. Opponents argue that these programs often prioritize ideological commitments over practical solutions and can lead to division and resentment. Proponents, however, maintain that addressing systemic inequities is essential for creating a truly just and healthy society.

The debate over the NYC Department of Health's training program highlights a broader tension between the pursuit of social justice and the demands of effective public administration. As the city grapples with complex health challenges, the question remains: can a focus on global oppression truly translate into improved health outcomes for New Yorkers, or is it a costly distraction from more pressing local concerns? The coming weeks are likely to see further scrutiny of the program and a renewed debate about the role of DEI initiatives in government agencies.