The Cleveland Clinic, one of America's premier medical institutions, faces scrutiny over its diversity initiatives and federal grant allocation practices.
According to Daily Wire, medical watchdog organization Do No Harm reported that the Cleveland Clinic continues to implement race-based programs while receiving substantial federal funding, including approximately $170 million in active grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The organization's investigation revealed multiple initiatives targeting specific racial and ethnic groups, including recruitment strategies, scholarships, and supplier diversity policies. These programs have drawn attention from various oversight groups and prompted a federal investigation into potential discriminatory practices.
Federal funding allocation raises concerns
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine currently manages approximately $170 million in NIH grant funding, with $50 million designated for indirect costs. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation separately maintains over $5 million in active NIH projects.
In July 2020, the clinic received a $1.2 million five-year grant shared with Cleveland State University. The funding aimed to increase minority representation in Cleveland's scientific community, specifically targeting African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders.
Do No Harm Director of Research Ian Kingsbury expressed his perspective on the situation, stating:
The Cleveland Clinic used to be synonymous with excellence. Now, it's becoming an avatar for everything that is wrong with American health care. It's a sorry tale about the displacement of rigor and dispassionate truth seeking in favor of identity politics.
Controversial diversity initiatives under investigation
The Department of Health and Human Services's Office of Civil Rights launched an investigation into the clinic's Minority Stroke Program and Minority Men's Health Center in September. This investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of Do No Harm.
The clinic's Howley ASPIRE nursing program, while not explicitly mentioning race in its description, was promoted as addressing racial underrepresentation in nursing. Marketing materials highlighted statistics showing that while Black and Hispanic individuals comprise over 30% of the U.S. population, they represent less than 13% of nurses.
The clinic defended its position, with representatives stating:
For over 100 years, Cleveland Clinic's mission has been to care for life, research for health and educate those who serve. We do not discriminate or create preferences based on race, gender or any other characteristics, and we abide by ethical and legal standards of care with respect to our delivery of healthcare services.
Executive order impact on institutional practices
President Donald Trump's recent executive order eliminated DEI from federal government operations and cut funding for related programs. This action has prompted the Cleveland Clinic to review its existing programs and policies.
Conservative group Consumers' Research has joined the criticism, launching a public campaign against the clinic's racial and gender ideology initiatives. The organization's executive director, Will Held, emphasized the importance of investigating federal funding allocation to the clinic.
The clinic maintains that accusations against their programs contain inaccuracies and has stated they are currently evaluating their programs in response to recent executive orders.
Medical institution faces mounting pressure over practices
The Cleveland Clinic, while managing hundreds of millions in federal funding, faces increasing scrutiny over its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Do No Harm's investigation revealed multiple race-based initiatives, including recruitment strategies and scholarship programs, leading to a federal investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services. The institution now must navigate between maintaining its diversity initiatives and complying with new federal guidelines following President Trump's executive order against DEI programs.
