Temple’s Medical School Rebrands DEI Office Amid Ongoing Criticism

A new name, a wider mission—but critics still question Temple’s approach. How will SPHERE reshape equity in medical training?

, and Administrator

2025 November 22 . 6:48 PM

1 min read

In this picture there is a temple on the right side of the image, it seems to be a collage of... — In this picture there is a temple on the right side of the image, it seems to be a collage of temple.

Temple’s Medical School Rebrands DEI Office Amid Ongoing Criticism

Temple University’s Katz School of Medicine has rebranded its diversity, equity, and inclusion centre. The new name, the Office of Strategic Partnership in Healthcare Education and Resources (SPHERE), reflects a broader focus on equity in education and healthcare. The change follows criticism from advocacy groups over the school’s previous policies.

The rebranding expands the school’s efforts to promote fairness in teaching, learning, and patient care. All existing initiatives—such as staff training, community partnerships, and data-driven equity projects—will remain under SPHERE’s leadership. Dr. Kevin Fiscella now serves as the office’s director.

The move comes after Temple faced legal action from the group Do No Harm. The lawsuit targeted a planned event initially restricted to Black, Indigenous, and people of colour educators, which the university later opened to all staff. Do No Harm’s Centre for Accountability in Medicine has since accused the school of pushing ideological agendas in medical training.

In a recent assessment, Do No Harm gave the Katz School of Medicine a D grade. The rating cited concerns over academic transparency and the institution’s stance on DEI principles.

The rebranding keeps SPHERE’s core mission intact while broadening its scope. The office will continue its work in education, partnerships, and equity-focused research. Meanwhile, outside groups remain critical of the school’s approach to diversity in medicine.