A medical association is removing race requirements from its diversity scholarship program after a watchdog group took legal action over the association’s alleged violations of federal law.
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is revising its diversity scholarship program to clarify that it does not give preference to applicants from certain racial backgrounds, a move the organization made after medical watchdog Do No Harm filed a lawsuit in Mississippi federal court earlier this year, court papers show.
When Do No Harm filed the lawsuit, NAEMT’s scholarship page said the award was open to “students of color who are not currently certified as an EMS practitioner,” with the implication being white students were not eligible for the scholarship, potentially discriminating against those students in violation of federal law.
Now, the scholarship webpage will be adjusted to say “the program will not have any eligibility requirement or preference based on applicants’ race or ethnicity,” making clear that white students will be able to apply.
Do No Harm and NAEMT agreed to have the lawsuit dismissed now that the medical organization has promised to update the criteria for its diversity scholarship. The lawsuit accused NAEMT of violating federal law prohibiting race discrimination in private contracting, with the scholarship falling under the definition of a contract. Do No Harm sued on behalf of a student who was excluded from the scholarship because of race.
“We are pleased that the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians is removing race-based requirements from its scholarship,” said Dr. Jared Ross, senior fellow at Do No Harm.
“By prioritizing merit and expertise over racist identity politics, we can restore integrity to medicine and improve patient safety. Do No Harm continues to fight on behalf of its members in the courts and state capitols across this country, and this victory sends a clear message to other medical organizations that promote bias that we will not tolerate discriminatory practices or programs anywhere in medicine.”
It marks the latest legal victory for Do No Harm in its fight against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in medicine. Do No Harm’s legal challenge against a “BIPOC” physicians directory at the University of Washington resulted in a similar concession from the school to open it up to all students, as NR previously reported.
Federal civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race and other characteristics. DEI programs often emphasize race and group identification rather than individual merit and achievement.