It is unclear how long the library has had these brain slice specimens, let alone how long they have been on display on the second floor. Regardless, in the (possibly) decades since their arrival at HSLIC, they have both intrigued and offended visitors and employees alike. In some Indigenous cultures, particularly the Diné (Navajo) and Cherokee, the display of human remains is taboo. Considering the relationship between HSLIC and our Indigenous students and colleagues, earlier this year we agreed that we would re-home these specimens and continue our work to create welcoming and healthy spaces for our students, staff, faculty, and community visitors.
Fortunately we had a very willing and happy recipient. Dr. Bill Shuttleworth and his team at the UNM Brain and Behavioral Health Institute (BBHI) were more than happy to take these specimens off our hands. Who better to accept these than a researcher engaged in the use of brain slices to help better understand "brain tsunamis," or spreading depolarization (SD) events as key contributors to severe brain injuries or strokes? We hope this arrangement will have ended up being mutually beneficial for all involved.
We are happy to respond to the cultural needs and practices of our diverse population here at UNM-HSC. In the coming months we will determine how best to utilize these now specimen-free tables to most responsively serve our student population.
