Michigan officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), have been hit with a lawsuit. 

Just the News reports that the lawsuit has to do with "implicit bias" training that the state has implemented as a requirement to keep a medical license.

The lawsuit, according to the outlet, comes from Grand Rapids dentist Kent Wildern.

He has brought the lawsuit against Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and at the center of the lawsuit is an executive order from Whitmer.

Background

This has to do with an executive order that Whitmer signed back in July 2020, called "Improving Equity in the delivery of healthcare."

The title probably tells you everything that you need to know, but another piece of useful information is that the executive order was recommended by Whitmer's Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities.

A press release, from the time, states:

Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Directive 2020-7 which directs the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to begin developing rules that will require implicit bias training as part of the knowledge and skills necessary for licensure, registration and renewal of licenses and registrations of health professionals in Michigan.

Whitemer released a statement on the matter, saying, "There's no doubt that our front line health care workers like doctors and nurses have been the real heroes of this crisis, putting their lives on the line for us every day."

She added:

COVID-19 has had a disparate impact on people of color due to a variety of factors, and we must do everything we can to address this disparity. The evidence shows that training in implicit bias can make a positive difference, so today we are taking action to help improve racial equity across Michigan's health care system. That’s why my staff has begun this kind of training and every member of my team, including me, will complete this type of training on an annual basis.

The lawsuit

Now, the lawsuit is being challenged by Wildern.

"It is unconstitutional for Michigan to weaponize its licensing powers to force healthcare professionals to choose between their careers and submitting to ideological indoctrination," his attorney said.

The attorney added, "Moreover, Michigan's mandate for implicit bias training came from an unelected agency rather than the legislature, sidestepping any public debate on the issue."

The Washington Free Beacon notes, "Wildern's lawsuit comes as President Donald Trump ramps up his crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives."

In other words, it is an ideal time for such a lawsuit.