Conservative Activists Challenge Native Hawaiian Healthcare Scholarships
A conservative group alleges 'racial discrimination' in a federal program that provides scholarships for Native Hawaiian students pursuing healthcare careers.
A group of conservative activists have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the long-standing Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP), which provides funding for Native Hawaiian students to pursue healthcare careers and work in underserved communities across the Hawaiian islands.
The advocacy organization Do No Harm, based in Virginia, claims the program is unconstitutional, alleging that it amounts to racial discrimination by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The NHHSP was established decades ago with the goal of addressing significant healthcare disparities that impact Native Hawaiian communities, who often face barriers to accessing quality medical services. By offering scholarships and training opportunities, the program aims to cultivate a more diverse healthcare workforce that can provide culturally competent care to these under-served populations.
