Psych Association Targets Specific Racial Groups for ‘Fellows’ Grants

According to a letter obtained by Do No Harm, the Southern California Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (SCSAP) decided to offer its members a “Fellows Grant” to cover the costs of attending the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). 

The grant includes up to $750, and is available to active SCSAP members.

Yet the SCSAP seems to have particular racial groups in mind for the grant.

According to the letter, “[f]ellows who meet the AAMC URiM definition below and those with an interest in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) are encouraged to apply.”

The letter goes on to then reference the Association of American Medical Colleges’ definition of “underrepresented in medicine,” which has since been removed from the AAMC website.

“The AAMC defines underrepresented in medicine (URiM) groups as ‘racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population,’” the letter reads.

“Individuals from underrepresented minority (URM) groups, ‘which consists of Black, Mexican-American, Native Americans [sic] (that is, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), and mainland Puerto Ricans [sic]’ are particularly encouraged to apply.”

Additionally, applicants must answer the following two questions: “Why is justice, equity, diversity and inclusion important to you?”; and “What do you hope to gain or experience from the 2025 AACAP meeting in Chicago?”

This initiative reflects a disturbing trend in medicine, where access to opportunities is increasingly defined by racial background and adherence to ideology rather than merit. 

By prioritizing certain racial or ethnic groups and tying funding to a commitment to “justice, equity, diversity and inclusion,” the SCSAP sends a message that immutable characteristics matter more than ability.