Chicago White Sox fans often see the Rush University Medical Center logo on display at Guaranteed Rate Field. This facility is the team’s official healthcare partner. Yet, fans are not informed about the specifics of where the health system’s funding goes. Key areas include operating a pediatric gender clinic, hosting events like a “PRIDE Charity Drag Brunch,” conducting mandatory diversity retreats, and providing its CEO with $3.7 million in compensation.
Consumers’ Research Campaign Highlights Concerns
As White Sox fans attend the series against the Astros, a campaign by Consumers’ Research is underway. This campaign involves billboards, posters, and television ads targeting Rush’s partnership with the team.
Consumers’ Research, a consumer watchdog group, initiated the “Rush Exposed” campaign, which was shared with OutKick and Fox News Digital. This campaign scrutinizes Rush’s sponsorship of the White Sox, its advertising expenditures, DEI initiatives, and pediatric gender transition services.
“Rush is neglecting its core mission by promoting radical activism,” said Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research.
Details on Rush’s Controversial Practices
The campaign strongly addresses Rush’s Affirm Center for Health, a clinic involved in gender-affirming services for minors. The center provides mental health support as part of its services.
Dr. Loren S. Schechter, who oversees Rush’s gender surgery program, is the incoming president of WPATH. WPATH establishes standards for transgender healthcare. Although Rush announced in 2025 that it ceased gender-affirming care for minors in 2023, it previously offered these services.
Rush’s DEI committee also organized events such as the “PRIDE Charity Drag Brunch,” whose proceeds benefited the Affirm Center. Hospital administrators have mandated implicit bias training and pediatric staff attended DEI retreats.
Financial Discrepancies Raise Questions
Consumers’ Research also highlights financial inconsistencies at Rush. While citing financial concerns, Rush laid off employees. Simultaneously, CEO Dr. Omar Lateef received compensation nearing $3.7 million in FY2024. This amount increased from $2.9 million the prior year.
Additionally, the nonprofit funded Lateef’s housing and paid membership dues to private organizations.
Even with job cuts, Rush sustained White Sox sponsorships and pursued initiatives like 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. In FY2025, Rush received over $194 million in federal funding while keeping its tax-exempt status.
Consumers’ Research believes nonprofit hospital systems misuse taxpayer support to push political agendas. Their “Bad Medicine” campaign targets such practices.
Fans are encouraged by Consumers’ Research to question what Rush’s sponsorship truly represents.
OutKick contacted the White Sox and Rush University System for Health for their comments.