Washington State University has suspended a continuing medical education course focused on youth gender medicine following complaints from LGBTQ activists. The accrediting body opened an inquiry into the course, which was initially approved by WSU but has now been suspended.
The course from the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine (SEGM) provided guidance on medical interventions for gender-dysphoric youth, addressing topics such as transgender identities, misconceptions in youth gender medicine, and hormone treatments for gender-dysphoric youth.
Controversy arose after transgender activist Erin Reed raised concerns about the course, leading to 31 LGBTQ activist groups urging WSU to revoke SEGM’s accreditation. SEGM has been designated as an “anti-LGBTQ hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Following the suspension of the course, SEGM expressed surprise at the speed of the inquiry and questioned the basis for the decision. WSU is working with the accrediting body to ensure compliance with standards while the investigation is ongoing.
Internal faculty responses at WSU have been divided, with some expressing concern about oversight of external educational partnerships and others advocating for academic freedom. The dispute reflects broader trends in medical education regarding gender medicine.
The controversy surrounding the course comes amidst broader discussions about the benefits and risks of medical gender interventions for minors, with some children’s hospitals pausing transgender treatments following government directives.
Overall, the situation at WSU highlights the complex and evolving landscape of medical education in the field of youth gender medicine.
