Grand Rapids dentist Dr. Kent Wildern is taking the state to court over a mandate requiring all Michigan healthcare professionals undergo what he calls “ideological training” to maintain their licenses.
In 2021, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs began requiring over 400,000 healthcare professionals to complete two hours of implicit bias training every renewal cycle.
Wildern’s attorney Wilson Freeman of the Pacific Legal Foundation contends it is unconstitutional for Michigan to weaponize its licensing powers, forcing healthcare professionals to choose between their careers and submitting to ideological indoctrination.
Freeman states at least 132 professionals have been fined for non-compliance, some having their licenses suspended, others like Dr. Wildern surrendering theirs instead of complying.
Wildern is challenging the mandate in state court, stipulating it violates citizens’ right to earn a living and requiring it exceeds the agency’s authority.
