Concerns Over Diversity Initiatives in Medical Schools

Recent emails and meeting notes reveal that some medical schools in the U.S. might still be promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite apparent shutdowns of related offices. This information was gathered by the group Do No Harm.

For instance, the University of Iowa (UI) stated its intent to close the Office of Access, Opportunity and Diversity in March 2025, following guidance from the Iowa Board of Regents. However, an email dated March 26, 2025, that came to light via a Freedom of Information Act inquiry suggested that the DEI office at the Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) remained operational under a new name, even as other diversity-oriented departments were disbanded.

The email indicated, “Yes, it is my understanding that the university will be closing the Access, Opportunity and Diversity Department starting tomorrow. Some components will be reassigned or closed, with certain elements still in consideration.” Notably, the CCOM’s Program for Access and Engagement was described as fully operational, despite its previous branding.

In a separate email from May 27, 2025, a CCOM employee mentioned that the college revised its website to eliminate references to “diversity-related accreditation standards.” The email reflected uncertainty: “Do I need to revise my access and engagement website description because there are fewer certification criteria? I don’t know. We are looking for everyone’s opinions.”

Notably, the email highlighted that CCOM aims to create an inclusive campus environment while complying with relevant laws and accreditation standards. The intention is to foster a community that prepares students for diverse backgrounds.

Feedback followed the revised description, with another employee suggesting the removal of the “diversity-related certification criteria” section entirely.

Further discussion on June 30, 2025, revealed that participation in training on implicit bias and other related topics at the university was intended to be voluntary, particularly given the evolving legal landscape. In an April 9, 2025 email, UI officials clarified their avoidance of the term DEI due to the complexities surrounding it. They explained, “As long as what we’re discussing is related to improving patient care, it’s OK. We are not using the term DEI at this time.”

Dr. Curt Miceli, chief medical officer at Do No Harm, expressed disappointment that medical schools seemed to be merely renaming their DEI departments rather than abolishing them entirely, despite laws and increasing public backlash against identity politics. He emphasized that medical education should prioritize quality over political agendas in training healthcare professionals.

On another front, President Donald Trump announced an executive order in January 2025 aimed at ending “illegal discrimination” and restoring merit-based opportunities across various sectors. Corresponding minutes from a March 5, 2025 meeting at Rowan University’s Cooper School of Medicine indicated changes made to comply with this order, including renaming the Office of Diversity and Community Affairs to the Office of Engagement and Community Impact.

Both Cooper Medical School and CCOM have not responded to requests for comment related to these findings. Additionally, Do No Harm noted that other U.S. medical schools have similarly acknowledged or retained DEI offices.

The Trump administration is actively pushing to eliminate DEI initiatives in educational institutions and has recently announced investigations into several medical schools concerning allegations of racial discrimination in their admissions processes.