Charting the use of inclusive language in medical school diversity mission statements: A national study

Improving medical student diversity continues to be a challenge and a priority for medical schools. Mission statements that address diversity, equity, and inclusion are an initial step in recruiting a diverse student body. This study explores the use of inclusive language, as defined by key demographic variables, in diversity mission statements published on US medical school websites.

Diversity mission statements of 158 MD-granting and 41 DO-granting medical schools were examined from March to May 2024. Statements were coded for the presence of inclusive language based on the following demographic variables: race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, ability or disability, and age. Differences in the use of inclusive language between MD-granting and DO-granting institutions and between public and private institutions were calculated.

169 diversity mission statements were located for 134 (85 %) MD-granting and 35 (85 %) DO-granting institutions. Inclusive language describing race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, ability or disability, and/or age was noted in 105 (62 %) diversity mission statements. In comparison, 64 (38 %) diversity mission statements recognized diversity without explicitly referencing the terms above. No significant difference was observed in the use of inclusive terms between MD-granting and DO-granting institutions or between public and private institutions.

Most medical schools published diversity mission statements, and a majority contained inclusive language. A minority of medical schools did not have a locatable diversity mission statement but included language supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their general mission statements.