Dr. Kendall Conger, a prominent emergency room physician, alleges he was fired from Duke University's health system after speaking out against its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) push. Conger claims the pledge was "somewhat radical" and "a pledge to left-wing ideology" rather than a commitment to better medicine.
Dr. Kendall Conger, who worked at Duke Raleigh Hospital for nearly a decade, is alleging he was fired for speaking out against the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative. Duke Health released a 2021 pledge against racism, calling it a "public health crisis" and reaffirming its commitment to addressing the "painful separations that divide us."
Conger, who has been outspoken against DEI efforts in the healthcare industry, disagreed with the notion that racism is a public health crisis. He also questioned the university's claim that its pledge was "guided by science." When asked for clinical or medical data to support this claim, Duke Health provided social science data instead.
Duke Health Doctor Fired for Criticizing 'Pledge to Left-Wing Ideology'
Conger raised additional concerns about the pledge's prioritization of equity over equality, which is at odds with the nation's core vision of equality for all individuals. He shared his views with colleagues, friends and family, as well as in a public editorial.
Duke Health reportedly declined to engage with Conger's questions and eventually terminated his employment "not for cause." A termination memo cited his "negative impact" on the emergency physician team, which Conger believes is a result of his opposition to their "left-wing ideology."
Duke Health Doctor Fired for Criticizing 'Pledge to Left-Wing Ideology'
Conger maintains that racism is not a problem in medicine and that all medical professionals strive to provide the best possible care for all patients, regardless of race. He is now seeking a new position in an organization that does not prioritize DEI initiatives in the emergency room.
The firing of Dr. Conger has sparked concerns about academic freedom and the role of ideology in healthcare. Duke Health has not publicly responded to his allegations.
Duke Health Doctor Fired for Criticizing 'Pledge to Left-Wing Ideology'
Conger's termination highlights the growing divide over racial issues and the impact of DEI initiatives in higher education and healthcare. The debate is expected to continue as more individuals and institutions take a stand on these controversial topics.
