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FIRST ON FOX: A pro-Trump legal nonprofit has taken significant steps to address alleged discriminatory practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at a major hospital system in the Midwest. America First Legal (AFL) has filed a formal complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services, calling for a thorough investigation into Henry Ford Health’s policies.
The AFL’s complaint, directed to the Civil Rights Office of HHS, claims that Henry Ford Health has entrenched a system of race and gender-based discrimination under the guise of diversity and inclusion across its employment procedures, residency programs, and patient care services.
This initiative follows a critical advertising campaign launched by Consumers’ Research, a nonprofit focused on consumer advocacy. This campaign accused the hospital of placing politics ahead of patient care, emphasizing their allegations against Henry Ford’s DEI policies and their approach to transgender treatments for minors.
The AFL demands an immediate inquiry, asserting that federal funds have been misused to promote DEI initiatives. These allegations include claims of racial quotas in recruiting, prioritizing organ transplants based on race, awarding scholarships based on identity features, and granting contracts to suppliers based on race and gender.
In the complaint, the organization warns that failing to investigate could signal a tacit approval of unlawful discrimination. Furthermore, it emphasizes the government’s responsibility to ensure taxpayer resources are not funneled into unconstitutional or ideologically driven practices.
The AFL argues that Henry Ford Health is in breach of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, and national origin. Additionally, the organization accuses the hospital of violating Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which ensures non-discrimination in healthcare.
Moreover, the AFL cites violations of an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump this year, which bans federal support for DEI mandates.
Since 2021, Henry Ford Health reportedly received nearly $1 billion in federal funding containing provisions related to DEI. The organization claims these funds have embedded racial and gender priorities into various functions, from clinical decision-making to recruitment processes.
The complaint outlines Henry Ford’s practices as flagrant violations of non-discrimination mandates and unlawful misuse of public funds. The AFL seeks a multitude of actions, including an investigation into these assertions, a compliance review of all HHS-funded programs, suspension of discriminatory practices, and legal repercussions for any noncompliance.
In a broader context, the AFL condemns the hospital as engaging in a sweeping and deliberate pattern of discrimination detrimental to patients while benefiting from substantial federal support.
The complaint is directed toward key members of the Trump administration, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Attorney General Pam Bondi, among others.
Will Hild, the executive director of Consumers’ Research, has publicly denounced Henry Ford Health for prioritizing political agendas over patient welfare. During the launch of the advertising campaign, he stated that the hospital continues to administer harmful and irreversible sex-change treatments to children, undermining their well-being.
The campaign, titled “Ford Health Exposed,” reveals allegations of discriminatory practices, including the administration of detrimental transgender treatments for minors, while also critiquing the hospital’s focus on a radical climate agenda.
On its official website, Henry Ford Health acknowledges that DEI principles are deeply integrated into its operations. The organization’s leadership emphasizes the importance of diversity as a core value that upholds the quality of care provided to their patients.
Additionally, their website promotes initiatives like unconscious bias training and the establishment of Employee Resource Groups. These efforts are framed as ways to enhance patient care and support diverse communities.
The hospital also emphasizes its commitment to supplier diversity, affirmatively prioritizing partnerships with businesses that are significantly owned by members of LGBTQ+ or minority groups.
In a past statement, Kimberlydawn Wisdom, the senior vice president of community health and equity at Henry Ford Health, remarked that simply prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion is insufficient to address systemic issues within healthcare.
The HHS declined to comment on the pending investigation, citing departmental policy against addressing potential or ongoing inquiries.
A spokesperson for Henry Ford Health reaffirmed their commitment to compliance with all anti-discrimination laws, asserting that the organization has long been dedicated to serving Michigan’s diverse communities without bias.
This evolving situation raises significant questions about the balance between healthcare policies and political ideologies. As the investigation unfolds, the implications could have far-reaching effects on how hospitals across the nation approach diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Looking Ahead: The Future of DEI in Healthcare
The potential scrutiny over Henry Ford Health represents a pivotal moment in the healthcare landscape, particularly as diverse communities increasingly advocate for equitable treatment. Stakeholders are closely monitoring this situation, hoping that it will ignite necessary conversations surrounding discrimination in healthcare.
Amid rising tensions, the discussion extends beyond a single institution. It reflects broader societal challenges regarding the intersection of healthcare practices and sociopolitical movements.
Healthcare providers must navigate the complexities of public scrutiny while meeting the needs of their diverse patient populations. Following the outcomes of this complaint, the ongoing discourse surrounding DEI initiatives may fundamentally reshape policies and practices in medical institutions across the country.
