Greenville Reporter

North Carolina State Representative Gregory F. Murphy has expressed concerns that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives may compromise the impartiality of medical practice. In a post on X dated March 24, Murphy said that such initiatives "undermine the apolitical nature of medicine" and promote "discrimination" rather than ensuring equal care for all patients.

"As a physician, I have devoted my life to taking excellent care of ALL patients equally," said F. Murphy. "DEI undermines the apolitical nature of medicine and rewards discrimination."

On March 19, 2024, Murphy introduced the EDUCATE Act. This legislation aims to prohibit race-based mandates in medical schools and accrediting institutions by restricting federal funding for those 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.

Rep. Greg Murphy's post | X

According to a press release, Murphy said, "American medical schools are the best in the world and no place for discrimination." He emphasized that the EDUCATE Act compels medical schools and accrediting agencies to maintain colorblind admissions processes and prohibits coercion based on political opinions. "Diversity strengthens medicine," he added, "but not if it’s achieved through exclusionary practices."

The legislation has received backing from several congressional representatives, including Gus Bilirakis, Ralph Norman, Brad Wenstrup, Beth Van Duyne, Andy Harris, among others. These cosponsors support limiting DEI-related policies in medical education and maintaining federal oversight to prevent ideological impositions on students and faculty.

Murphy is currently serving his third term as the representative for North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. He is involved with several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Additionally, he co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. Murphy holds degrees from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine and is noted as the only practicing surgeon in Congress.