Purdue eliminates veterinary medicine DEI certificate

Purdue University in Indiana no longer offers a “diversity and inclusion certificate in veterinary medicine” since the school ended its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the College Fix reports.

The school removed all references of the program from its website in June, with the previous link to the program redirecting to the veterinary medicine program landing page. Previously, people could pay between $100 and $300 to participate in the program.

“From the historical perspective to contemporary challenges, these topics provide insight into the multifaceted nature of diversity, equipping you with the knowledge to foster a more inclusive environment,” the website once said.

Program topics had included “The Case for Diversity in Veterinary Medicine,” “Stereotype Threat” and “The LGBTQ+ Community.”

“Practicing members of the Veterinary Medical profession, such as Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians/Nurses, & Interns and Residents will gain insights to promote diversity and inclusion in their workplace and understanding for interacting with diverse clients,” the website also said.

The move comes as Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order in January banning DEI initiatives in state government.

Braun argued the state needs “MEI” – Merit, Excellence and Innovation – not DEI.

“Government should be laser-focused on one thing: getting results for the people they serve. We’re replacing the divisive DEI ideology with a level playing field of MEI – the same reason we’re eliminating college degree requirements where they’re not essential and adding key performance metrics for accountability,” Braun told Fox News in January. “[That is] because everyone should be judged on what they do, not who they are.”

Braun’s government philosophy puts “results above everything else,” he said, adding, “That’s exactly what we’re putting first in my administration.”

At least 16 laws cracking down on DEI have passed nationwide in the last two years.