Pipeline Programs in the Health Professions, Part 2: The Impact of Recent Legal Challenges to Affirmative Action

Improving Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation in Radiology and Radiation Oncology Part 1: Why These Matter

“…Affirmative action, a term first introduced by President John Kennedy’s executive orders, was intended to redress long-standing inequities, especially in educational opportunity, that were so deep and pervasive that only assertive enrollment of underrepresented minorities and women could reverse these historic imbalances [13]. Similar arguments are advanced in favor of affirmative treatment for individuals who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as poor and broken families.…”

The Educational Pipeline and Diversity in Dietetics

“…The courts, in determining whether race-based policies are constitutional under the Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment), weigh against the legal standards of whether there is a compelling state interest to do so (that is, if it serves a legitimate and highly substantial governmental interest) and whether the program has been narrowly tailored based on necessity (viable alternatives considered), flexibility (race is only one of many factors considered), burden (if nonminorities are not unduly affected by the program), and periodic review (to ensure race continues to be an important factor over time). 27 The impact of these challenges has been measurable. In California, which successfully banned race-based admissions in 1996, there were immediate effects noted.…”

“…Whereas California medical schools had accepted 233 minority residents in 1993, the number dropped to 157 in 1997 and 156 in 2001. 27 The college admissions for students of color continued to drop across the board. At California universities overall, between academic years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, the decline in admissions for black, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian students were 15%, 9.2%, 3%, and 2%, respectively.…”

“…In fact, "there is not a specific body of equal opportunity case law that addresses the admission/selection of racial and ethnic minorities to precollege, outreach, pipeline, or preprofessional admissions programs"-particularly because the US Department of Education itself deems such programs to be enriching to the collegiate applicant pool by preparing more individuals to reach academic success. 27 Yet, many higher education officials and attorneys believe such rulings do apply to pipeline programs and so there has been increasing caution around the administration and funding of these programs. 27 Frequent barriers to the success of pipeline programs that target diversity in science and health professions are as follows 17 :…”

“…27 Yet, many higher education officials and attorneys believe such rulings do apply to pipeline programs and so there has been increasing caution around the administration and funding of these programs. 27 Frequent barriers to the success of pipeline programs that target diversity in science and health professions are as follows 17 :…”