Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the latest institution to eliminate DEI, according to Campus Reform. Dr. Brick Lantz of the Christian Medical and Dental Association is glad the Trump administration is taking this step.
The cuts came in late June.
As a result of the layoffs, the institution’s “Trans Buddy Program” was eliminated, according to The Tennessee Lookout. The program aimed to embed gender ideology in health care by assigning volunteers to advocate for transgender-identifying patients during medical visits free of charge.
The change, even in private education, is a result of Trump’s efforts in public schools, Lantz said.
“I think, again, by withholding federal funds institutions are changing. Now these are going to be taxes and public funds versus private institutions. But I think private institutions are following suit.”
Earlier this year Ohio State removed its LGBTQ web page.
Metro Nashville Council's LGBTQ Caucus condemns the move, describing the layoffs as "systemic discrimination."
In all, there have been 650 layoffs at VUMC which officials say are because of the loss of federal funds.
Among the cuts was VUMC’s trans-focused VIVID Health Clinic.
Backlash from the council should not discourage the medical establishment, says Lantz. It needs to overcome the social stigma attached to being labeled as anti-gay or anti-trans and focus on helping those who struggle with their own gender, he said.
"We need to have medical education teach according to science, good science, and there's more and more good science coming out so that we can actually help, truly help these individuals and not be fearful of being claimed as bigots.”
