The Supreme Court ruled June 29 that U.S. universities and colleges cannot include race as a factor in admissions, saying such policies violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, according to The New York Times.
Here are three physician leaders' reactions to the ruling, which industry leaders say could inhibit efforts to grow a more diverse workforce in medicine:
David Skorton, MD. President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges: We are deeply disappointed with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to dismantle its longstanding precedent in the 2003 case, Grutter v. Bollinger, which had recognized student body diversity as a compelling interest permitting the limited consideration of race in admissions. Today;s decision demonstrates a lack of understanding of the critical benefits of racial and ethnic diversity in educational settings and a failure to recognize the urgent need to address health inequities in our country.
Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD. President of the American Medical Association: [The] decision by the U.S. Supreme Court undermines decades of progress centered on the educational value of diversity, and will reverse gains made in the battle against health inequities. This ruling restricts medical schools from considering race and ethnicity among the multiple factors in admissions policies and will translate into a less diverse physician workforce. Diversity is vital to health care, and this court ruling deals a serious blow to our goal of increasing medical career opportunities for historically marginalized and minoritized people. While our country grows more diverse, historically marginalized communities have been left behind on nearly every health indicator. A physician workforce that reflects the diversity of the nation is key to eliminating racial inequities.
Omar Atiq, MD. President of the American College of Physicians: ACP believes that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive physician workforce is crucial to promoting equity and understanding. Diversity in the health care workforce not only benefits underserved patients but improves care for all patients. Evidence has shown diverse populations in educational and medical training settings improves learning outcomes by increasing active thinking and intellectual engagement skills and increases understanding of and empathy for diverse cultures. … Considering race as one of the many determining factors used when considering an individual's admission to an education program can be an important way to combat the harm that systemic racism and discrimination has in the United States.