Chicago February 24, 2025
A recent investigation by watchdog group Do No Harm has uncovered that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has been actively spending millions of dollars to increase diversity in the cancer workforce. The NCI has dispersed $218 million in grants to support “underrepresented” groups, mainly racial minorities ¹.
This revelation comes as Elon Musk’s DOGE is cutting funds related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans have been pushing against DEI policies, arguing that public programs should focus on meritocracy instead.
Despite this, the NCI has continued to support DEI initiatives. Two active grants, totaling over $10.5 million, were awarded to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. These grants aim to promote “inclusive excellence” and advance the careers of racial minorities.
Do No Harm Chairman Dr. Stanley Goldfarb criticized the NCI’s spending, stating that the organization must “stop promoting a politically motivated DEI agenda.” The investigation found that during the Biden administration, around 3% of the NCI’s total grant funding went to institutions to hire minority faculty members and scientists.
