Pfizer Says Its Minority Fellowship Program Serves Public Interest, In Defending Lawsuit

Pfizer Inc PFE came forward to defend a lawsuit by a group of medical professionals claiming that the fellowship program illegally excludes whites and Asian Americans.
In a filing, Pfizer urged a Manhattan federal judge to reject Do No Harm's request for an injunction against filling the 2023 class for its two-year Breakthrough Fellowship Program, which enrolls Blacks, Latinos, and Native Americans.
It aims to enroll 100 fellows by 2025 as part of a nine-year commitment to boost minority representation, Reuters reported.
"There exists a strong public policy in favor of voluntary affirmative action plans," Pfizer said. "At a minimum, the public interest favors preserving the status quo."
Last month, Do No Harm said Pfizer's program was "discriminatory on its face," violating a federal ban on racial discrimination by companies that accept government healthcare reimbursements.
Next week, the Supreme Court will consider the future of affirmative action in higher education as it hears arguments on race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
Price Action: PFE shares are up 0.20% at $46.15 during the premarket session on the last check Thursday.