⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Fourth Circuit considers Dr. Harwani's claim that Moses Cone Hospital revoked his permission to perform interventional heart procedures because of race. After a heart-attack procedure in 2019, the hospital suspended those privileges, later making the restriction permanent. It cited patient-safety and staff-communication concerns. Harwani says his care was appropriate and white doctors received more favorable treatment. He sued under Section 1981, which protects equal contract rights regardless of race. The district court granted summary judgment to the hospital and another physician, finding insufficient evidence of discrimination. The appeal asks whether his evidence is enough for a jury to consider. You'll hear SCAD: a tear in the wall of a coronary artery. You'll also hear McDonnell Douglas, a framework moving from an initial discrimination showing, to a stated nondiscriminatory reason for the decision, to evidence of pretext—a cover for discrimination. Harwani will argue his performance record, comparisons with other physicians and shifting explanations warrant a trial. The defendants will contend the comparisons fail and the restriction reflected genuine patient-care concerns.

Mohan Harwani v. Moses Cone Memorial Hospital (No. 25-1712) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, argued October 29, 2026.