Our Commitment to Equity

To Our Social Mission Alliance Network,

The recent memorandum from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is a direct challenge to the progress we have made in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This directive threatens the foundation of our work, but we will not waver. The Social Mission Alliance remains committed to realizing a system of health professions education in which social mission is present, prominent, and valued to drive health equity and improved health for individuals, families, and communities. The research and best practices put forth by Alliance members from across the country affirm the benefit of diversity, equity, and inclusion to enriching learning, strengthening public health, improving patient outcomes, and benefitting society as a whole. Our commitment to equity is consistent with the fundamental values of equality, liberty, and opportunity for all and we see ourselves as part of a tradition of advocates pushing this country to hold true these espoused values for everyone.

We are a coalition of educators, administrators, researchers, learners, and advocates dedicated to creating change that benefits everyone, not just a select few. Our role is to convene thought leaders across disciplines and states, serving as a hub for factual, tangible resources that support those at the forefront of this work. Many who have led equity efforts in health professions education now find themselves threatened and uncertain about the future. To them we say: the Social Mission Alliance is a home for you. You are not on your own; there is great strength in our collaboration.

This moment demands resilience and strategy. The Social Mission Alliance will advance an advocacy campaign that ensures our impact extends beyond challenges of the past month. The Social Mission Alliance is part of a generational struggle for an education system that is responsive to the lived reality of all communities in this country and accountable to them. Our commitment to this work predates mainstream discussions of “DEI”, and it will continue long after political trends shift. We will hold the line because advancing equity in education and healthcare is fundamental – not partisan and not optional.

This fight is not short-term; it requires persistence and collective action. As we continue shaping the For Us All campaign, we will translate ideas into tangible steps and keep exploring collaborations for change across and beyond this network.

The road ahead will be difficult but we stand firm. We ask for your solidarity, voice, and commitment. This is not just about defending DEI—it is about ensuring justice, equity, and excellence in health professions education and healthcare for generations to come. We are in this for us all.

In solidarity,

Social Mission Alliance