A nonprofit organization, Do No Harm (DNH), is pursuing legal action against two scholarship programs that aim to support underrepresented minority students, arguing that they discriminate against white applicants.
The group is specifically targeting the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (SOMOS) E. Anthony Rankin Scholarship Program, after a white male applicant, referred to as “Member A”, was allegedly excluded from consideration based solely on his race. According to the lawsuit, Member A was barred from continuing the application process because of his race, despite meeting the other eligibility requirements.
The E. Anthony Rankin Scholarship is designed to support underrepresented medical students, offering a connection with U.S. military medical centers for a four-week program. Participants can receive up to $12,000 for expenses such as travel, housing, and per diem. The lawsuit argues that the exclusion of Member A based on race violates principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
This legal challenge could set a precedent for similar cases involving affirmative action and the race-based eligibility criteria for scholarships and programs aimed at promoting diversity.
In the legal complaint, the white male applicant, referred to as Member A, expressed frustration over being excluded from the E. Anthony Rankin Scholarship Program, stating, “Member A was hurt and dismayed that SOMOS would use his race — which he cannot control — to preclude him from participating in the program and learning from some of the country’s most distinguished orthopaedic surgeons in service of our nation’s military and veteran communities.”
The lawsuit targets multiple officials, including Defense Health Agency Director Telita Crosland and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in their professional roles. The nonprofit group Do No Harm (DNH) argues that the scholarship program violates the Fifth Amendment by operating a “race-based” learning initiative in partnership with SOMOS, which allegedly excludes white and male applicants.
The legal filing demands a permanent injunction to block the enforcement of the scholarship’s racial eligibility criteria and seeks a preliminary injunction, if necessary, to ensure white applicants are considered moving forward.
The lawsuit underscores its claim, stating: “But the program excludes white, male applicants.”
As the case progresses, it could have significant implications, potentially setting a precedent for similar programs nationwide that involve race-based eligibility criteria. The outcome may influence how diversity-focused initiatives are implemented and challenged in the future.
