University requires photos of applicants for ‘Diversity In Surgery’ internship

A “Diversity in Surgery” program at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine that requires applicants submit a photo as part of the process is now under federal investigation for alleged discrimination on the basis of race.
 

The program describes itself as “intended to encourage medical students from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in medicine to consider pursuing a career in academic surgery.”

The nonprofit medical advocacy group Do No Harm flagged the internship in an August 2022 complaint, and the U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights on Jan. 19 agreed to investigate the program, according to the memo from the civil rights office.