Medical school diversity declines after Supreme Court ruling

Editor's Note

The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision limiting race in college admissions has triggered an overzealous response from many medical schools, leading to a sharp decline in enrollment for underrepresented groups, according to an article published January 23 in STAT. 

As detailed in the article, Legal advisors have pushed schools to halt diversity strategies that remain lawful, exacerbating longstanding inequities in medical education and raising concerns about the future of health equity. The extent of the decline is revealed in data from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Specifically, indigenous student enrollment dropped 22%; Black student enrollment dropped 11.6%; and Hispanic student enrollment dropped 10.8%.

Experts warn these trends were predictable and stem from misinterpretations of the ruling, STAT reports. Although certain race-conscious practices are still permitted, some institutions have . canceled recruitment events, diversity programs, and pipeline initiatives anyway.

Medical students and leaders alike have criticized the shift. As detailed in the article, a survey of 1,600 students found 24% reported cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, with 67% fearing more reductions. Additionally, admissions committees have been accused of “sterilizing” applications to avoid legal risks, even where race-neutral strategies like holistic admissions could sustain diversity. States like California and Texas, which already banned affirmative action, maintained steady enrollment of underrepresented students, suggesting solutions are possible.

Advocates stressed to STAT that diverse physician workforces improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Meanwhile, opponents of DEI celebrate the shift as meritocratic.