Seattle’s world-renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center ends DEI initiatives

“Due to the federal administration decision to make the termination of DEI programs a condition of federal funding, Fred Hutch has made the difficult decision to change its DEI programs,” the cancer center said in a statement to KIRO 7.

The center’s DEI webpage has been taken down and previous DEI progress reports and program information are no longer publicly available. The move is part of a broader compliance effort, as federal funds account for more than $400 million—over 70 percent of Fred Hutch’s research budget.

“Without these funds now or in the future, we can’t fulfill our mission,” the center said. “This compels us to act now to protect our ability to continue our lifesaving and life-enhancing research.”

President Trump’s executive order mandates the dismantling of DEI, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), and environmental justice programs across federal agencies. It also requires a review of federal employment practices, contracts, and performance measures tied to DEI goals.

The policy shift at Fred Hutch comes amid a lawsuit filed by a former employee who alleges discrimination and retaliation for raising concerns about the center’s DEI culture. Tammy Weitzman, a veteran oncology social worker, is suing the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance—now part of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center—for wrongful termination. Weitzman claims she was harassed by colleagues, targeted for being Jewish, and ultimately fired after objecting to political messaging within DEI training sessions and workplace communications.

“I was called a white k*ke. I was called a white Canadian b*tch,” Weitzman told The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI. “I reported those incidents to my manager. Nothing was done. Instead, I was directed to take a diversity training course.”

Weitzman says she also faced backlash for treating the daughter of a former Trump administration official. During a DEI meeting, she recounted a personal experience of antisemitism from her youth, only to be dismissed by a facilitator who told her, “You're white, and you can pass.”

Her lawsuit includes allegations that a co-worker distributed a politically charged article via company email titled "How We Are to Use Our Skills and Influence to Resist the Upcoming Trump Administration and the Hatred and Violence That It Inspires." Weitzman objected, stating that the messaging was inappropriate in a clinical environment focused on patient care, not political activism.

“I believe that when cancer patients are entering a cancer center, they are not thinking about who is occupying the Oval Office,” she said.

“They are thinking about their lives.” When Weitzman raised concerns to Nidhi Berry, the staff member responsible for DEI training, she received a sharply worded response accusing her of placing her “white comfort” above the safety of people of color. “You’ve mentioned to me previously that you identify as Jewish… considering the anti-Semitism [that] is stoked by the hate speech and violence Trump’s administration inspired,” Berry wrote, copying human resources and Weitzman’s supervisor. A week later, Weitzman was fired for allegedly having “ethnicity sensitivity” issues and values misaligned with her employer’s mission.

Fred Hutch’s legal team defended the termination, saying, “SCCA is an anti-racist organization, committed to Workplace Respect.” Weitzman is seeking at least $75,000 in compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Her case is ongoing.

Fred Hutch claims its mission remains unchanged despite the DEI program rollback. “Fred Hutch promotes the belief that everyone deserves a life free from cancer,” the statement read. “We remain focused on our unifying impact and committed to a culture of respect for all people.”