Greenville Reporter

North Carolina U.S. Representative Greg Murphy has voiced concerns over the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) politics in medical education, labeling them as divisive initiatives that promote discrimination. He also expressed his belief that political partisanship is eroding the integrity of medical schools.

"DEI politics are divisive initiatives that promote discrimination that we have fought so hard all these years to erase," said Rep. Gregory F. Murphy, according to X. "Med Schools are being corroded by political partisanship. Patients deserve doctors to be advocates for them, not political activists."

Murphy has put forth the EDUCATE Act with an aim to eliminate DEI mandates in medical education. The legislation proposes to cease federal funding to institutions that enforce specific beliefs or racial discrimination. It also calls for accreditation agencies to prohibit DEI-related practices. However, it does allow for instruction on race-related health issues and research data collection without endorsing discriminatory practices, according to a press release by House.gov.

Rep. Greg Murphy's post | x

"American medical schools are the best in the world and no place for discrimination," Murphy stated in a press release by House.gov. "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. Diversity strengthens medicine, but not if it’s achieved through exclusionary practices. Medicine is about serving others and doing the best job possible in every circumstance."

Currently serving his third term representing North Carolina’s Third Congressional District, which includes significant regions of Eastern North Carolina, Murphy holds key positions on several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Committee on House Administration. He also co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. A graduate with academic honors from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine, Murphy is distinguished as being the only practicing surgeon among current congressional members, according to information provided by House.gov.