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