Scholarships for Minority Students Hit with Lawsuits Over White Male Exclusion

A nonprofit organization is taking legal action against two scholarship programs designed to support underrepresented minority students, claiming they discriminate against white applicants.

The group Do No Harm (DNH) is targeting the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (SOMOS) E. Anthony Rankin Scholarship Program after a white male applicant, identified as “Member A,” was allegedly excluded from consideration. According to the lawsuit, Member A was barred from continuing the application process solely based on his race.

The E. Anthony Rankin Scholarship, aimed at “underrepresented medical students,” connects participants with U.S. military hosts at two medical centers. Over the four-week program, students can receive up to $12,000 to cover expenses like travel, housing, and daily per diem, according to the program’s website.

In the legal complaint, the applicant expressed frustration, stating, “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 lawsuit names multiple officials in their professional capacities, including Defense Health Agency Director Telita Crosland and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. DNH claims the program violates the Fifth Amendment by allegedly operating a “race-based” learning initiative in partnership with SOMOS, thereby excluding white and male applicants.

The legal filing demands a permanent injunction to prevent enforcement of the scholarship’s racial requirements. DNH is also seeking a preliminary injunction, if needed, to ensure white applicants are considered moving forward.

“But the program excludes white, male applicants,” the lawsuit clearly states.

As the legal battle unfolds, this case could set a precedent for similar programs nationwide.