The College Fix

Legislation has lots of support, but it may not make it to the House floor this Congressional session

A Republican-backed bill seeking to rein in progressive ideology in medical schools has garnered plenty of support among conservatives, as well as an active lobbying campaign, but its path to success is foggy.

Among hurdles it faces is opposition among the medical establishment as time runs down on the current House session with the looming November election.

Rep. Greg Murphy, a North Carolina Republican and a doctor, introduced the House bill in March. Senate Republicans soon followed with a companion measure.

It seeks to block federal funding to med schools that use DEI within the curriculum, or maintain DEI offices or programming.

“Medicine is about serving others and doing the best job possible in every circumstance. We cannot afford to sacrifice the excellence and quality of medical education at the hands of prejudice and divisive ideology,” Murphy said when he introduced the legislation.

The Embracing anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education, or EDUCATE, Act, was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, but has yet to advance despite now boasting 56 cosponsors, up from the 35 it had when first introduced.

An ongoing campaign by the Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom is also actively lobbying Americans to call on lawmakers to pass the pill.

“Medical schools are imposing DEI training on doctors. The last thing you want is a doctor who is more interested in the color of your skin than actually delivering quality care when you need it most,” the group argues as part of its campaign.

Over 100 Americans in 32 states have participated in our campaign to end DEI in Medical School. Have you? https://t.co/xPl6zDQS2K

In just one minute, with a few clicks, tell your Representative to SUPPORT THE EDUCATE ACT. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE this post! pic.twitter.com/M3J0aBhTKs

— CCHFreedom (@CCHFreedom) August 21, 2024

In June, dozens of conservative groups wrote to House Speaker Mike Johnson and workforce committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx — a fellow North Carolina Republican to Murphy — asking them to give the bill time in the spotlight.

The letter, obtained by Fox News, stated in part: “Prioritizing the teaching of the political and social ideology at the heart of DEI, to the exclusion or expense of academic excellence, has life and death consequences for millions of patients. This bill takes a critical first step in reorienting medical education towards its noble, life-saving mission.”

Fifty-two groups signed the letter, including Do No Harm, Tea Party Patriots Action, Heritage Action, Physicians for Reform and others, Fox News reported.

One signatory is Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chair of Do No Harm, an organization representing physicians, nurses, medical students, and patients voicing concern about how critical race theory affects meritocracy in med schools.

Scott Centorino, vice president of Do No Harm Action, told The College Fix the EDUCATE Act would resolve DEI concerns in med schools, such as race-based patient prioritization.

“The problems associated with identity politics in healthcare are becoming more and more obvious, sacrificing precious time at the altar of social justice instead of training the next generation of physicians to treat all patients with the utmost care and dignity,” he told The Fix via email.

“If individuals want to prioritize politics over patients, that’s their right. But if you’re using federal tax dollars, there is no place for it,” Centorino said.

But many in the medical establishment are taking the opposite approach.

The American College of Emergency Physicians President Aisha Terry said in an interview published earlier this month that many members of the medical community are lobbying to see the bill amended or quashed.

Terry said she personally voiced concerns with Murphy, and what’s more many members of her group asked their state representatives to block the bill.

Terry also pointed out Murphy is currently dealing with personal health issues that may impede his ability to address the legislation fully. In late May, Murphy announced he has a benign skull tumor.

“Unfortunately, Representative Murphy has had some health issues of late and so certainly being very respectful of his time of healing and recovering,” she said. “But rest assured, more to come about the ongoing dialogue on that bill.”

MORE: Congressional Republicans’ bill seeks to crack down on DEI in med schools

IMAGE: PX Fuel / Shutterstock

Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter