Commentary
The Office for Civil Rights Is Investigating a Discriminatory Program at Washington University in St. Louis Institute for Public Health
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![](https://donoharmmedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_2012352206-1024x576.jpg)
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened a federal civil rights investigation of a discriminatory program at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) Institute for Public Health.
Earlier this year, Do No Harm program manager Laura Morgan filed a complaint with the Kansas City OCR requesting a review of the “SummerR ReseArch DIversity ProgrAm iN Cardiovascular Disease & HEmatology (RADIANCE)” program for its racially discriminatory eligibility criteria.
![](https://donoharmmedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RADIANCE1.png)
To be eligible, “Participants must meet one or more of the following categories:
- Individuals from racial and ethnic groups who are underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis*
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
*The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.”
A promotional flyer for the RADIANCE program shows the same eligibility requirements.
![](https://donoharmmedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RADIANCE2.png)
Because Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, OCR opened an investigation into the 8-week program, which starts on June 5, 2023. Participants receive a stipend and support for travel expenses.