119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 3518
H.R. 3518 would prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving federal financial assistance—including federal student loans and grants—unless they certify that they do not have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or policies. Specifically, the bill bars medical schools from compelling students, faculty, or staff to express statements about systemic racism or collective guilt based on race, ethnicity, or other characteristics; from creating programs or courses centered on such topics; from establishing DEI offices; or from requiring diversity statements as part of admissions or employment decisions. The bill affects all graduate medical education programs that receive any federal funds and requires their accrediting bodies to ensure compliance. The legislation includes exceptions for teaching legitimate medical topics related to health disparities, maintaining demographic data, and protecting religious institutions' freedom to operate according to their faith teachings. No specific funding amount or timeline is designated in the bill itself.