Chicago Hospital’s DEI Agenda Focuses on Transgender Issues

A hospital group in Chicago is making strides in promoting a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) agenda that highlights transgender issues, all while continuing to receive federal funding.

Recent consumer research has unveiled Rush University Medical Center’s active DEI policies. CEO Omar Lateef emphasized that the hospital’s dedication to diversity is “an important part of our DNA.”

Robert Higgins, President of Rush University, along with other officials, did not respond to requests for comment.

Critics, like Will Hild from Consumer Affairs, argue that the hospital is misusing its resources. He stated, “By using taxpayer support to promote radical woke activism, Rush betrays its core mission.” Hild pointed out the hospital’s history of focusing on DEI initiatives, child gender reassignment, and various nonmedical expenditures, which he feels detract from patient care.

At Rush University Children’s Hospital, there are ongoing DEI retreats as part of a broader initiative that includes anti-racism and LGBTQ curricula. Some retreat topics cover workshops on microaggressions and achieving health equity for LGBTQ individuals.

In 2025, approximately 4,000 staff and students participated in LGBTQ Affirming Care training, noting that “physical health can also be greatly affected by long-standing internalized biases.” According to officials, all employees are expected to undergo this training.

Despite certain adjustments—such as pausing hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers for new patients—Rush continues to offer gender-related services for minors. A spokesperson mentioned that Rush will work to refer patients to other programs for services it does not provide.

Rush has actively supported pride events and expressed commitment to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community year-round, as noted in a June 2023 social media post celebrating Pride Month.

In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued an order limiting federal funding for hospitals that perform gender-reassignment procedures on minors. Despite this, Rush reported dispensing $194 million in federal funds while implementing LGBTQ training programs.

Interestingly, CEO Lateef’s compensation reportedly increased significantly, nearing $800,000, amidst what has been described as a financially challenging period for the hospital, including an uncertain number of layoffs.

Under Lateef’s guidance, the hospital aims for full renewable energy use by 2030, asserting that climate change is fundamentally a health issue and prioritizing suppliers who have faced social and economic challenges.

This situation has sparked an ongoing campaign by Consumers Research, aiming to hold hospitals like Rush accountable for their decisions.