Representative Gregory F. Murphy has expressed his support for the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate “discriminatory and demeaning” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in medical education. He said that these requirements “reward political activism” rather than merit, as noted in an April 23 post on X.
“I applaud the Trump administration for rooting out the discriminatory and demeaning requirements of DEI in medical education,” said Rep. Gregory F. Murphy. “These practices reward political activism and not merit. Patients deserve better.”
On April 23, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order targeting reforms in higher education accreditation. According to the White House, the order addresses concerns about accreditors approving low-quality institutions and prioritizing DEI over academic standards. It directs the Secretary of Education to ensure that accreditations emphasize high-quality education, academic freedom, and affordability. The order also calls for accountability for accreditors requiring “discriminatory” practices and aims to promote competition, reduce barriers to innovation, and streamline the accreditation process to enhance transparency and efficiency while reducing unnecessary costs for students.
According to a press release from March 19, 2024, Murphy introduced the EDUCATE Act. This legislation seeks to prohibit race-based mandates in medical schools and accrediting institutions by restricting federal funding for schools enforcing specific beliefs or requiring DEI offices. The bill also mandates that accreditation agencies ensure their standards do not promote such practices while still allowing education on race-related health issues and data collection for research.
Murphy emphasized in a press release that “American medical schools are the best in the world and no place for discrimination.” He added that “the EDUCATE Act compels medical schools and accrediting agencies to uphold colorblind admissions processes and prohibits the coercion of students who hold certain political opinions.” Murphy believes diversity strengthens medicine but argues it should not be achieved through exclusionary practices. He said that medicine is about serving others and doing the best job possible under all circumstances.
Currently serving his third term as representative for North Carolina’s Third Congressional District, Murphy is a member of several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He also co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. With degrees from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine, he is noted as the only practicing surgeon in Congress according to House.gov.
