UNC School of Medicine’s fresh approach to sustaining DEI.
In the Face of Backlash, UNC School of Medicine Reverses Commitment to DEI Programs
In recent years, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has faced public scrutiny over its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. However, the university has since backtracked on its commitments to these initiatives.
On February 23, 2023, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors made the controversial decision to ban mandatory DEI statements from admissions, hiring, promotion, and tenure processes. This move was seen as a response to the growing backlash against the perceived “woke” ideology infiltrating academia.
In a public letter on May 11, 2023, UNC announced that it would not implement one of its DEI Task Forces. Then, on June 16, the university further watered down its public stance on another DEI Task Force, refusing to defend any of its recommendations.
While these reversals are welcome, it is important to hold UNC accountable. The university has denied implementing policies that condition promotional prospects or financial incentives on advocacy for DEI principles. However, evidence suggests otherwise.
UNC’s own DEI Officers previously tied participation in “unconscious bias trainings” to employees’ financial compensation. Additionally, senior UNC Medical staff have confirmed that sensitivity training and adherence to DEI principles dictate what can be said and done at work.
DEI is also embedded in the financial package that UNC Health staff receive. While it does not make up the entirety of the 15% of pay that could be affected, it is a significant factor in staff trainings and participation in organizational goals.
UNC’s Organizational Goals. Source: Freedom of Information Act.
Assessing doctors and faculty based on their participation in DEI activities is concerning. It shifts the focus away from educational excellence and places undue pressure on conformity to UNC’s DEI goals.
Dr. Nche Zama, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, rightly points out that DEI activities distract from the primary goal of providing quality healthcare. UNC should prioritize professional excellence over political activism.
Color Us United, a non-profit advocacy group, will continue to monitor and expose UNC School of Medicine’s DEI policies. The organization aims to ensure that the school upholds its commitment to providing the best quality healthcare to North Carolinians.
In an upcoming faculty meeting, UNC School of Medicine will present on their DEI programs. Color Us United plans to counter-present and independently verify the claims made by the university.
UNC School of Medicine now faces a crucial decision. They can either renounce DEI and embrace meritocracy and excellence, or they can continue down the path of political correctness. The choice they make will have a significant impact on the future of medicine in America.
It will be interesting to see which direction UNC School of Medicine chooses.
Kenny Xu is the President of Color Us United and the author of the book “School of Woke.”
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
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