Vanderbilt Medical Center allegedly ‘hiding’ DEI resources: REPORT

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has come under scrutiny for allegedly hiding its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments behind password-protected web pages. This revelation was made by the conservative nonprofit organization Consumers Research, which launched a campaign titled “What Is Vanderbilt University Medical Center Hiding?” to raise awareness about VUMC’s actions.

According to Consumers Research, VUMC has been deleting references to DEI commitments and resources from its website while also hiding some pages behind password protection. Screenshots and archived web links on the campaign website show the various web pages related to DEI and climate activism that are now inaccessible to the public.

Consumers Research Executive Director Will Hild expressed concern over VUMC’s actions, stating that the health system was trying to conceal its radical policies by hiding evidence of its commitment to DEI and climate activism. The campaign also includes a mobile billboard deployed at the university to draw attention to VUMC’s actions.

Despite deleting several web pages related to DEI resources and programs, some pages, such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website, remain active but require a username and password for access. Pages promoting diversity in recruitment and resources for underrepresented groups in medicine have also been hidden from public view.

Additionally, web pages focusing on climate change initiatives and prioritizing “climate care as health care” have also been password-protected, according to Consumers Research.

In response to these allegations, VUMC spokesperson John Howser stated that the medical center is conducting a review of its programs in light of recent executive actions mandating an end to DEI programs. He emphasized VUMC’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, patients, and visitors.

Consumers Research has called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to investigate VUMC, citing the hospital’s reliance on federal funding and the need to prioritize patient care over political activism.

It is worth noting that VUMC was previously investigated by Tennessee’s Attorney General’s Office for allegations of manipulating medical billing codes to evade insurance coverage limitations for transgender treatments. The investigation was prompted by a video showing a VUMC doctor promoting transgender surgeries for minors as lucrative procedures.

As the controversy surrounding VUMC’s DEI commitments continues to unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation to ensure transparency and accountability within the medical center’s practices.