Lawsuit threatens diversity in scientific scholarships

In March 2025, a significant legal challenge emerged in the United States when the organization Do No Harm filed a lawsuit against the American Chemical Society (ACS), targeting its Scholars Program. This program provides financial support for chemistry students from underrepresented backgrounds, but the lawsuit argues that it is discriminatory against white and Asian students. The matter arises amid a national backdrop of rollbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions practices. According to legal experts, this litigation may be an attempt to extend the implications of that ruling. Prominent figures in the scientific community have voiced concerns over the negative impact this lawsuit could have on diversity efforts in science. Daniel Mindiola, a chemistry researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed that the potential disappearance of scholarships like the ACS Scholars Program would reinstate historical barriers to access for prospective scientists from minority backgrounds. The concern extends not just to scholarship opportunities but also to the broader ramifications for the scientific community's diversity. The lawsuit has prompted the ACS to reconsider its language surrounding diversity, editing its website to reflect a shift toward 'inclusion and belonging' rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In parallel, Hollywood faces similar scrutiny and challenges regarding diversity representation. Actor Constance Wu commented on the troubling trend of reduced representation in film and television. Wu's return to the big screen marks a moment of reflection on the changing landscape of diversity in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning how it may be regressing due to societal pressures and reduced emphasis on diverse casting. Wu specifically highlighted the importance of challenging traditional narratives and questioned the implications of authenticity as a rationale for diminishing diversity in storytelling. Overall, both the legal challenge against the ACS and the remarks by Wu shed light on the pressing issue of representation and inclusivity across fields. These events underscore a critical evaluation of policies and practices intended to nurture diversity, prompting a reevaluation of their necessity in order to promote equitable opportunities for all individuals.