A new lawsuit has been filed against the American Association of University Women (AAUW) by the organization Do No Harm, alleging that the AAUW’s Selected Professions Fellowships program is discriminatory and illegal. The AAUW program offers $20,000 and networking opportunities to women pursuing certain degrees, but the organization has designated certain fellowships as restricted to women of color. The program is open only to women from ethnic minority groups, including Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
Do No Harm, a nonprofit organization aiming to safeguard healthcare from ideological threats, is filing the lawsuit on behalf of its medical student members who meet the criteria for the fellowship but are ineligible to apply due to their race. The lawsuit states, “‘Racial discrimination is invidious in all contexts.’ Healthcare especially,” referencing a recent Supreme Court opinion in the case Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
The lawsuit claims that the AAUW’s program violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which requires racial equality in making and enforcing contracts. The suit argues that there is no compelling interest that justifies categorically excluding white applicants based on their race and that the AAUW’s program is discriminatory and illegal.
Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, emphasized the importance of keeping identity politics out of medical education, stating that medical fellowships should be awarded based on merit, not race. He highlighted the need for every patient to have access to the best possible care, and ideologically driven fellowships do not improve care.
The lawsuit further points out that the AAUW was founded in 1881 to open doors for women’s career advancement and encourage more women to pursue higher education. Therefore, the organization should be lifting up all women and opening their fellowships and opportunities to all women, regardless of race.
Legal experts have noted that the Supreme Court’s decision in the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard case, which outlawed discriminatory practices in higher education admissions, could have broader implications beyond college campuses. It may impact the way corporations and businesses pursue diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
The lawsuit against the AAUW serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to discrimination and equality in various sectors, including education and healthcare. It underscores the importance of upholding principles of fairness and meritocracy in awarding opportunities and scholarships.
In a statement, Kristina Rasmussen, executive director of Do No Harm, criticized the AAUW for its “archaic and illegal practice of discrimination based on race,” calling for the organization to reverse course and make their fellowships and opportunities available to all women. AAUW has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.