Image Credit: Vanderbilt University Medical Center / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Vanderbilt University Medical Center has removed all references to diversity, equity, and inclusion from both academic department and center websites, following recently released federal guidelines from President Donald Trump.
According to The Vanderbilt Hustler, an email obtained by the outlet contains a message sent to VUMC affiliates, informing them of the new requirements to bring them to compliance with Trump’s January 20 executive order to end “radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing.”
Because VUMC contracts with a number of government entities, the independent non-profit is mandated to comply with the new federal guidelines.
The email noted that the following words and phrases were no longer allowed: DEI, DEIA, health equity, health disparity, health inequity, social drivers of health, social determinants of health, social justice, racial justice/equity, equal access to health care, unconscious bias, microaggression, climate change and environmental justice.
The notice, sent out on January 31, also read, “Underpinning our work at VUMC is a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, and that commitment remains steadfast. However, as our regulatory requirements change, so must our programs.”
Also changing is the name of the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity. It will now be known as the Student Center for Belonging and Communities.
Various websites were taken offline temporarily on February 5 to allow those changes to be reflected.
