NBCE Board: Not Just "Business as Usual"
Dear Editor:
In the May digital issue of Dynamic Chiropractic, there was an opinion piece that was published referencing the "Good Old Boy" culture of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). I am writing in response to this article, not as a representative of the NBCE, but rather because I was named in the article.
I want to offer some clarification about the current status of the NBCE, regardless of the history of the board. The current makeup of the board rivals any other chiropractic board or organization in diversity. When the referenced article was published, the NBCE consisted of two first-generation immigrants, three women (one of whom is a non-chiropractor), and me, a black man.
You mentioned Earl Wiley, DC, my predecessor, who was the first Black chiropractor on the NBCE board. The article seemed to suggest that the "Good Old Boy" culture had forced him off the board. The fact is that he was unable to continue because he, unfortunately, passed away. This was referenced by hyperlink in the article, but without clicking the link this fact wasn't clear.
As I read your characterization of my membership on the NBCE board, it seems to suggest that my presence on the board was about diversity and reforms to the NBCE. I understand what my presence represents on the NBCE; however, it isn't the reason that I sought nomination or was elected to the board. This was based on my skills and background in leadership, and my desire to be involved in a profession I love.
I would suggest that the fact I was invited to join the NBCE board signals that the "Good Old Boy" culture is one that the board is abandoning as it expands its ranks to include more ethnic and gender minorities. Given the past history and makeup of the board, I would say that the current board is revolutionary.
It's important for readers to understand that the NBCE doesn't get to choose all of its own board members. Seven of the 11 board members are elected by members of state licensing boards. The recent trend in NBCE board diversity also reflects progress in diversity within the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.
I understand that the opinion piece was in support of Dr. Keita Vanterpool, who has an impressive history of service to the chiropractic profession. Her addition to the NBCE represents unprecedented progress; not just in the NBCE, but in all of chiropractic. However, her addition was based on her merits and the respect of her peers. Your subsequent piece that covered her election described her as "new blood." Dr. Vanterpool has been a leader in the profession and the FCLB for years. The NBCE is one of the most diverse leadership bodies in chiropractic, even before Dr. Vanterpool's election.
As we emerge from norms that have limited representation and opportunities for women and minorities in virtually every industry, it's important to note that this isn't about women and minorities suddenly being worthy. Before Jackie Robinson, there were plenty of Negro League players who had the merits to play in the big leagues. Jackie was just the first that those "Good Old Boys" let in.
In my opinion, there are currently no barriers for minorities and women on the NBCE. The evidence is in the current make-up of the board. There is still a long way to go before we have a level of representation of minorities in chiropractic that mirrors our population. However, I think the characterization that it's just business as usual and the "Good Old Boys" are at it again is unfair.
Jason Young, DC
Corvallis, Ore.
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