The path ahead: Navigating the changing diversity, equity, and inclusion landscape

Abstract

The Supreme Court's ruling against the use of race as a consideration for higher education admissions programs has had a profound impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at many of our academic institutions. Many of us who understand the value of diversity in business and health care and who value equity are now confronted with a changing political landscape. Given these challenges and changes with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, it will be important for the surgical community to better codify the aspects of diversity that are beneficial and not specific to race, such as ability to overcome adversity, or the richness of the lived experience. It will become increasingly important to engage legislative bodies and implement institutional strategies to ensure the best outcomes for our patients and support an increasingly diverse surgical workforce.