Revealed Footage Shows Medical School Leaders Opposing Trump Administration Policies

Revealed Footage Shows Medical School Leaders Opposing Trump Administration Policies

FIRST ON FOX: Recently surfaced footage obtained by Fox News Digital highlights the stances taken by school administrators at a medical institution in Illinois as they reject several executive orders from the Trump administration, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These revelations detail the institution’s plans to resist these controversial directives.

Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean, Provost, and CEO of SIU School of Medicine, described Trump’s executive order concerning gender ideology as an assault on women’s rights and fundamental human rights. In a private discussion captured on video by the advocacy group Do No Harm, Kruse expressed strong disapproval of the executive orders and actions initiated under Trump’s presidency.

Kruse stated, “We will resist obeying in advance. We won’t do any anticipatory obedience.” He emphasized that existing laws remain unchanged and that current court directives do not necessitate any modification in compliance. This approach demonstrates a commitment to uphold institutional values despite political pressures.

In his remarks, Kruse articulated that the recent executive orders and the philosophies they embody represent significant threats to the core values of science, higher education, and healthcare. He argued, “These executive orders and actions represent direct attacks on our responsibilities to the communities we serve and the public to which we are accountable.”

Moreover, Kruse underscored the fortunate position of the medical school within a university system that actively opposes the executive policies enacted by Trump. He referred to the negative implications of the administration’s immigration and DEI executive orders, branding them as assaults on justice and fairness, which contribute to a climate of fear among many law-abiding citizens.

During the discussion, he also assured employees of the availability of “resources” to support their resistance against these executive orders. This commitment reflects the institution’s long-standing dedication to promoting DEI initiatives. Kruse affirmed that the ongoing work around these themes is critical, emphasizing its potential life-or-death impact on certain populations.

Institution’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Dr. Wendi El-Amin, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, joined the conversation, emphasizing the importance of DEI efforts for the institution. She noted that the SIU School of Medicine remains proactive in addressing health disparities and ensuring its student body and faculty reflect the diverse demographics of central and southern Illinois.

The medical school’s website showcases its commitment to fostering a community equipped to tackle health disparities through culturally responsive care and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing health literacy.

Earlier this year, the SIU Board of Trustees reaffirmed their dedication to DEI initiatives. Sheila Caldwell, the school’s Vice President of Anti-Racism and DEI, remarked on the transformative impact of these initiatives, describing them as essential for improving retention rates among minority students.

Financially, the SIU School of Medicine benefits significantly from ongoing grants from agencies like the NIH and HHS. During the discussion, Dr. Donald Torry, Associate Dean for Research, confirmed that the current funding landscape remains unaffected by the administration’s policies.

Responding to Immigration Executive Orders

Dr. Vidhya Prakash, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Population Health, detailed the school’s stance on immigration-related executive orders. She mentioned that faculty members received explicit instructions via email to avoid complying with directives from ICE, advising them to contact security if any related confrontations arise. This instruction indicates the institution’s determination to protect its community members from potential harm.

Dr. Prakash stated, “No member of our school of medicine, whether an employee or trainee, should have to engage with ICE.” This reassures students and staff, particularly those who may feel threatened by immigration enforcement.

Paulette Dove, Senior Counsel for Health Affairs for the SIU system, added to the discussion by reinforcing that existing laws have not changed and that ongoing efforts to support the medical community should continue unabated.

A Defiant Stance Against Federal Policies

Kruse concluded by underscoring the necessity of a collective response to the current threats posed by these executive orders. He appreciated the SIU system’s robust opposition to values that contradict the institution’s mission, highlighting a public statement by SIU president Dan Mahoney, who declared their unyielding commitment to institutional values in light of these presidential actions.

In response to the ongoing controversy, Lauren Crocks, the university’s director of marketing, communications, and engagement, reiterated the medical school’s pledge to adhere to the law while also advocating for the principles of diversity and equity.

On the other side of the debate, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller commended the Trump administration’s initiatives aimed at dismantling DEI programs. Speaking at a press briefing, Miller declared that this administration aims to reestablish a merit-based system in America, countering what he described as a drift towards DEI-induced societal decline.

Miller stated, “This administration will not allow our society to devolve into a state of communist-driven DEI strangulation.” He posited that focusing on merit in hiring practices fosters innovation and job creation, linking these initiatives to broader economic development goals.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.