Medical School Discrimination
On February 14, the Department of Education officially notified educational institutions receiving federal funding that they must cease race-based practices—including admissions, hiring, promotion, scholarships, administrative support, discipline, and sanctions. The potential loss of federal funding is offered as a consequence for noncompliance. This directive comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s January 21 executive order aimed at “ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity.”
Many have become weary of DEI in medicine, as deviations from merit-based practices can put patients in harm’s way.In recent years, many universities had ramped up DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs on campus—some admittedly as a response to the death of George Floyd and the resulting racial climate. Initiatives have run the gamut from the formation of so-called racial-affinity groups to race-based admissions and hiring practices. However, many have become weary of DEI in medicine, as deviations from merit-based practices can put patients in harm’s way.
