Med school dean questioned over antisemitism, DEI
[July 17, 2026]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Squarre) – The interim dean of the University of Illinois
College of Medicine testified before Congress that the school has taken
steps to address antisemitism.
Last August, the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce
detailed reports of hostile acts toward Jewish students at the school’s
Chicago campus.
Dr. Enrico Benedetti outlined changes at the college since he took over
as interim executive dean in January, including his own open-door
policy.
“I am pleased to report that Jewish students and faculty in particular
have told me as recently as last week that they feel safe and supported
under my leadership,” Benedetti said.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, asked Benedetti if UICM has
race-based diversity goals that it seeks to achieve through admissions.
“Our process excludes the reviewer from knowledge of the race of the
applicants. Therefore, I believe that we are in compliance,” Benedetti
said.
Benedetti said university officials do not consider race when choosing
the best students to attend medical school.
Last June, UICM graduate and Illinois state Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton,
criticized the school following reports that it was promoting equitable
assessments that emphasize students’ backgrounds, identities and
learning processes over traditional grading metrics and clinical
performance.
[to top of second column]
|
“It is the worst thing you can do in the ultimate merit-based
profession, where people’s lives are at stake,” Hauter told The
Center Square.
On Tuesday, Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller asked Benedetti if UICM
complied with President Donald Trump’s executive orders to eliminate
federally-funded diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
“Yes or no?” Miller asked.
“To my knowledge, we did everything we could,” Benedetti said.
Miller said the college’s “about” page suggests that DEI is still
its core mission.
“It says, and I quote, ‘At the University of Illinois College of
Medicine, we are committed to diversity and inclusion. We have a
number of programs and initiatives in place to promote diversity and
inclusion,’” Miller said.
Miller said the committee reserves the right to withhold funding
from any institution in violation of federal law.
Catrina Barker contributed to this story.
 |
