Pfizer FORCED To End Insane Diversity Program Following Lawsuit

Pfizer ends discriminatory fellowship program after legal challenge, marking a shift in corporate diversity initiatives.

At a Glance

  • Pfizer removes race-specific conditions from its Breakthrough Fellowship program
  • Do No Harm’s lawsuit alleged Civil Rights Act violations
  • Fellowship now open to applicants of all races
  • Case highlights ongoing debate over diversity policies in business

Pfizer’s Breakthrough Fellowship Faces Legal Scrutiny

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has agreed to end its controversial “Breakthrough” fellowship program following a lawsuit filed by Do No Harm, a medical advocacy group. The program, which initially aimed to increase opportunities for Black, Latino, and Native American applicants, faced allegations of discrimination against white and Asian individuals, sparking a heated debate on the implementation of diversity initiatives in corporate America.

The legal battle began on September 15, 2022, when Do No Harm filed a lawsuit claiming that Pfizer’s fellowship program violated several civil rights laws. Although initially dismissed in December 2022 due to lack of standing, the case gained traction after an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

The resolution of this case is being hailed as a significant victory for those advocating for meritocracy in medicine. Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, Chairman of Do No Harm, emphasized the importance of challenging racially discriminatory programs in the medical field.

“While Pfizer would like to quietly sweep their unlawful discrimination under the rug, their settlement acknowledges what we said all along: racially discriminatory programs are unlawful and will not go unchallenged. For far too long, companies like Pfizer have allowed political ideology to hijack their core responsibilities,” Goldfarb said.

The settlement requires Pfizer to open its fellowship program to applicants of all races, effectively ending the practice of racial exclusion that had been at the center of the controversy. This change aligns the program with civil rights laws and promotes a more inclusive approach to diversity in the workplace.

Implications for Corporate Diversity Initiatives

Pfizer’s case is not isolated. Other major corporations, including IBM, J.P. Morgan, and Wells Fargo, have faced similar scrutiny over their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These challenges reflect a growing tension between efforts to increase diversity in corporate settings and legal requirements for non-discrimination.

The outcome of Pfizer’s case may set a precedent for how companies approach diversity programs in the future, potentially leading to a reassessment of race-based criteria in fellowship and internship programs across various industries.