Dinushika Mohottige, a nephrologist, faced termination of her NIH grant to study structural racism's role in kidney disease among Black individuals. Despite initial high scores and a second year of funding, the grant was frozen and canceled, citing its connection to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This decision has raised questions about the interpretation of DEI and concerns regarding the impact on research focused on health disparities. Mohottige's experience reflects a broader trend affecting multiple researchers in the field of health inequities.
It begs the question, what does DEI mean to the issuers of this notice? Does it mean the term 'structural racism'? Does it mean 'Black Americans'? Does it mean that we can no longer do rigorous science to really understand why the devastating burden of health disparities exist in this country and around the globe?
The notice of termination stated that the award had been cancelled because it related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), which is viewed by some as 'radical' under the current administration.
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