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Scholarship programs slapped with lawsuits for alleged discrimination against White men

FIRST ON FOX: Two scholarship programs for "underrepresented" minorities are being slapped with lawsuits for allegedly discriminating against White people.

The nonprofit organization Do No Harm (DNH) is challenging the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons' (SOMOS) E. Anthony Rankin Scholarship Program on behalf of a DNH member who said he could not continue with the application process because he is a White male. 

"Member A was hurt and dismayed that SOMOS would use his race — which he cannot control — to preclude him from participating in the program and learning from some of the country’s most distinguished orthopaedic surgeons in service of our nation’s military and veteran communities," the complaint states. 

The nonprofit organization DNH is suing Director of the Defense Health Agency Telita Crosland and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as well as others in their official capacities. (Getty Images)

"But the program excludes white, male applicants," the complaint states. 

DNH is asking for a permanent injunction barring enforcement of the program's requirements and, if necessary, "a preliminary injunction barring Defendants from enforcing the program’s racial requirement."

The scholarship covers "up to ‘$2,000 reimbursement’ for ‘the cost of lodging, travel, and related expenses for [the] four-week elective,’" the initial complaint states. In order to apply for the scholarship, the visiting medical student must comply with several requirements, including being enrolled at an accredited medical school and being in good standing. The applicant is also required to submit a "brief statement of interest."

"Scholarship is prioritized based on the applicant’s interest in pursuing a career with underserved populations, service, leadership, and academic achievement," the filing says, quoting the scholarship description found on the school's website. 

DNH is also challenging the University of Colorado's "Underrepresented Minority Visiting Elective Scholarship" on behalf of one member. (Chet Strange/Bloomberg)

The complaint states the plaintiff is a DNH member and "meets all nonracial eligibility requirements" for the scholarship. 

"Although Member A meets all the nonracial eligibility requirements and would be a strong candidate for the scholarship, Member A is not eligible to apply because he is a white, straight male and does not identify as any other ethnicity," the complaint says. 

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the use of race as a factor in college admissions in a 6-3 decision in 2023. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

"When we're all on the operating table with a broken leg, we want the best surgeon. We don't want someone based on the color of their skin, and we want merit," Dr. Jared Ross, Senior Fellow with Do No Harm, told Fox News Digital. "And unfortunately, in the name of diversity — which is a laudable goal, having people from different backgrounds — we have essentially instituted discrimination and racial quotas to get to what the other side calls ‘equity.’"

The justices decided two separate legal challenges over just how Harvard University – a private institution – and the University of North Carolina – a public one – decide who fills their classrooms.

Fox News Digital reached out to SOMOS, the Defense Department and the University of Colorado for comment.

The Defense Department, Navy, and the Defense Health Agency stated they would not comment on pending litigation.