National Cancer Institute’s DEI Agenda: A Closer Examination
Unveiling Hidden Funding
A watchdog group known as Do No Harm has brought to light a substantial investment by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. According to their findings, the NCI has actively disbursed $218 million in grant funding specifically targeted towards increasing the representation of racial minorities in the cancer workforce.
Pre-Trump Era Funding
Prior to the Trump administration, Do No Harm reports that approximately 3% of the NCI’s total annual grant funding was dedicated to institutions for the purpose of hiring more faculty members and scientists from minority backgrounds.
Current State of DEI Grants
Despite recent government efforts to curb DEI policies, the NCI’s active DEI grants remain in operation. Among them are two grants totaling over $10.5 million awarded to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. These grants aim to recruit and hire underrepresented scientists and promote programs to advance the careers of racial minorities.
Calls for Defunding DEI
The revelation of the NCI’s DEI funding has drawn criticism from groups like Do No Harm, who argue that meritocracy should take precedence over diversity initiatives. Chairman Dr. Stanley Goldfarb has called on the NCI to cease its "politically motivated" DEI agenda, emphasizing that racial discrimination has no place in medicine.
Trump’s Executive Order
Former President Trump issued an executive order demanding an end to DEI considerations in federal government contracts. This order has resulted in the removal of DEI statements and resources from the NCI website.
NCI’s Future Position
Fox News Digital inquired with the NCI about the potential termination of its active DEI grants, but did not receive a response. The agency’s Equity Council, established in 2021 to guide its equity and inclusion efforts, remains in operation.
DOGE’s Anti-DEI Stance
The Defense of Government Entities (DOGE) has announced the identification of over $1 billion in taxpayer savings through the elimination of 104 DEI-related contracts.
Implications of DEI Funding
The debate over DEI funding in the medical field has raised concerns about the potential impact on merit-based hiring and the fair allocation of resources. Critics argue that prioritizing diversity goals could lead to the exclusion of qualified candidates from non-minority backgrounds.
Conclusion
The NCI’s substantial investment in DEI initiatives has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding the role of diversity in government funding. The Trump administration’s opposition to DEI and the subsequent actions of DOGE have brought this issue to the forefront, prompting scrutiny of the NCI’s priorities and the impact of DEI programs on the medical workforce. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how the NCI will respond to the calls to defund its DEI agenda and whether meritocracy will ultimately prevail in the distribution of grant funding.
