Representative Jahana Hayes defended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in medical schools during a House hearing on Tuesday, arguing that topics such as “colonialism in healthcare” are essential for training physicians.
Speaking at a House Education and Commerce Committee hearing on “the impact of DEI on medical schools,” Hayes argued that DEI education helps address “racial disparities in healthcare," reducing both health disparities and improves outcomes in all populations.” Addressing medical school leaders from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Hayes said she was “incredibly disappointed” that they “could not immediately answer the question about teaching colonialism in healthcare.”
Rep Jahana Hayes claims that "teaching colonialism in healthcare" is important because it "directly addresses the systemic roots of healthcare inequities. It exposes how historic power structures dictate who receives quality care." pic.twitter.com/XYJKFgZkJC
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) July 15, 2026