Conservative nonprofit Consumers' Research unveiled a new campaign against Vanderbilt University Medical Center, accusing it of hiding its DEI resources and climate activism behind password-protected web pages online. (iStock)
The letter, sent to Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, both Republicans, comes after the group launched a campaign last month titled "What Is Vanderbilt University Medical Center Hiding?" after finding that the university had been not just deleting some of its references to DEI commitments and resources, but also hiding them behind password-protected web pages.
The letter was also cc'd to state House Majority Leader William Lamberth, state Sens. Shane Reeves, Jack Johnson, Ed Jackson, Becky Massey, Ferrell Haile and state Reps. Gary Hicks, Sabi "Doc" Kumar and Ryan Williams.
Public documents indicate the lawmakers received financial backing from the THA, which the association found still promotes DEI and "'health equity' through its Council on Inclusion and Health Equity."
"Our campaign asking what is Vanderbilt University Medical Center hiding exposed the health system's frantic and futile attempts to cover its widespread DEI tracks – essentially waving a great big red flag asking to be investigated," Hild added.
Criticism over workplace DEI commitments was bolstered following last year's affirmative action ruling from the Supreme Court that barred racial preferences in university admissions. (Getty Images)
In a previous statement to Fox News Digital, VUMC spokesperson John Howser said that in light of Trump's recent executive actions mandating an end to DEI programs, particularly in educational institutions, VUMC "is undertaking a thorough review" of its programs to figure out "where revisions may be required to remain in compliance, including updating information on websites and other public platforms."
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Trump signed the "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity" order in January to eradicate all DEI programs within federal agencies and among federal contractors. It revoked previous directives that had promoted affirmative action and required contractors to implement DEI initiatives, arguing that these programs led to "preferential treatment."
Fox News Digital has reached out to VUMC, the Tennessee Hospital Association and Tennessee Republican lawmakers who received financial donations from them.
Fox News Digital's Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering transgender and culture issues, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, and stateside legislative developments.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/red-state-lawmakers-warned-about-allegedly-accepting-dei-dollars-from-hospital-association-watchdog