During a House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in medical schools, two University of California medical school leaders faced pointed questions about gender-inclusive language in their curricula.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) questioned Dr. Steven Dubinett, dean of UCLA’s medical school, and Dr. Sam Hawgood, chancellor of UCSF, about whether only biological women can have uteruses and pregnancies. Both deans avoided direct yes-or-no answers, citing compliance with state and federal law and the need to accommodate transgender patients.
Miller referenced a UCLA class disclaimer stating that the terms “she” and “women” do not exclude “those who have a uterus but do not identify with these terms.” She also highlighted a UCSF classroom guide advising against using the term “pregnant women” in favor of “pregnant people.”
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
The Hearing’s Focus
The hearing examined DEI policies in medical education, particularly how schools address gender identity in patient care. Miller argued that the schools’ language policies conflicted with President Donald Trump’s executive order to eliminate DEI from federally funded programs. The deans defended their approaches as necessary to provide inclusive care for transgender patients.
Opposing Perspectives
Miller framed the issue as a rejection of biological facts, calling the language policies “ridiculous.” The deans, however, emphasized the importance of gender-neutral terminology to avoid excluding transgender individuals from medical education and care. Hawgood acknowledged that the “vast majority of pregnancies are in women” but supported the use of inclusive language.
Policy and Legal Context
The debate reflects broader tensions over gender identity in healthcare, including recent legislative efforts to replace gendered terms like “mother” and “father” with neutral alternatives. Critics argue such changes obscure biological realities, while supporters say they promote inclusivity.
Long-Term Implications
The hearing may influence future DEI policies in medical education, particularly regarding how schools balance biological accuracy with inclusive language. The lack of direct answers from the deans could fuel further scrutiny of DEI programs in federally funded institutions.