Commentary

IUSM Hits A New Woke Low

  • By Do No Harm Staff
  • December 22, 2022
  • Indiana University School of Medicine

We’ve written about how the Indiana University School of Medicine is forcing faculty to prove their woke beliefs to get promoted or tenure. Yet even we didn’t know how bad things really are. IUSM just released a document laying out exactly what it wants to see – and it goes beyond compelled speech to compelled behavior.

The “Example Faculty Activities Toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” document is a thoroughly politicized and ideological creation, betraying IUSM’s complete commitment to race-based medicine. It conveys a clear expectation that faculty hold that same commitment and prove it through their actions.

In order to get tenure or promoted, faculty must engage in one or more of the following politicized activities:

  • Engage in “Curriculum development and/or revision related to DEI topics.”
  • “Leading/delivering DEI professional development programming.”
  • “Creating and/or leading programs related to DEI, on campus and/or beyond (e.g., efforts that create spaces/programs that facilitate greater sense of belonging and a welcoming environment for marginalized students, faculty, and/or staff).”
  • “Activities and consulting work (paid or unpaid) related to DEI community activities and organizations.”
  • “Providing peer review for journals and conferences that disseminate scholarship related to DEI, as well as granting agencies that fund DEI-related activities.”
  • Engaging in “Policy development, quality improvement efforts, and other service to the profession that has significant impact on DEI-related outcomes.”
  • Receive “National, international, local (campus), and/or community-based awards and/or recognitions for DEI research.”
  • Engage in “Recruitment and/or retention of diverse research teams/personnel.”
  • Demonstrate “Inclusive teaching practices (e.g., pedagogy, DEI content, multicultural courses, global perspectives).”

The list goes on. In each case, IUSM is indicating that current and prospective faculty need to hold not just specific political views, but translate those views into concrete action.

This is a violation of medical educators’ rights. Here’s hoping a faculty member sues IUSM – or the Indiana state government intervenes. IUSM shouldn’t be allowed to force faculty to engage in political activities.