Rush University Medical Center, the official healthcare partner of the Chicago White Sox, is facing a public scrutiny campaign from the consumer watchdog group Consumers' Research. The campaign, dubbed "Rush Exposed," alleges that the tax-exempt nonprofit hospital is diverting funds and focus from patient care to initiatives such as a pediatric gender clinic, diversity and inclusion programs, and a "PRIDE Charity Drag Brunch."
Consumers' Research launched "Rush Exposed" with billboards, street posters, and television advertisements, directing the public to a website detailing its allegations. The group contends that Rush is using its resources, taxpayer support, and tax-exempt status to advance a political agenda, citing the hospital's sponsorship of the White Sox, its DEI initiatives, and its Affirm Center for Health, which provides gender-affirming services.
Will Hild, executive director of Consumers' Research, stated that Rush is "betraying what should be every hospital's core mission by using its time, energy, and taxpayer support to promote radical woke activism." He further criticized the hospital for its "troubling history of questionable spending on non-medical initiatives completely unrelated to patient care."
The campaign highlights Rush's Affirm Center, which offers services including mental health support for minors. While Rush previously provided gender-affirming care for patients under 18, it announced in 2025 that such services have not been offered since 2023. The hospital's internal DEI committee organized a "PRIDE Charity Drag Brunch," with proceeds benefiting the Affirm Center.
Additionally, the campaign points to mandatory diversity training for hospital managers and DEI retreats for pediatric staff focused on topics like "microaggressions" and systemic racism. Consumers' Research also drew attention to a financial disparity, noting that while Rush recently laid off workers due to financial pressures, CEO Dr. Omar Lateef's total compensation in FY2024 reached nearly $3.7 million, an increase from the previous year. The nonprofit also covered Lateef's housing allowance and membership dues for private organizations.
Consumers' Research stated that Rush University Medical Center is the latest target in its national "Bad Medicine" campaign, which aims to address what the group perceives as nonprofit hospital systems prioritizing political ideology over patient care. Rush received over $194 million in federal funding in FY2025 while maintaining its tax-exempt status.