What black women in medicine stand to lose in the US’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Abstract

The rise of anti-DEI legislation and rhetoric threatens representation in the medical workforce and patient outcomes, says Naeema Hopkins-Kotb I still remember receiving my first letter from Harvard Medical School—and no, it wasn’t an acceptance letter. I was a student in the thick of pre-med requirements, trying to decide on the next institution I would trust with my dream of becoming a doctor. The letter was from Harvard’s Office of Recruitment and Multicultural Affairs, with information to help students like me, who are under-represented in medicine, apply to medical school. I revisited the list of medical schools I was applying to and added Harvard. Initiatives like this one, which are aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), made it clear that I am needed and belong in medicine as a black woman. Today, DEI is under attack—and the effects of anti-DEI rhetoric and legislation on medicine will further marginalise black women, both seeking and providing healthcare, for years to come. In June 2023, the US Supreme Court ruled that race can no longer be a factor that influences students’ admission to university, effectively ending affirmative action..1 …