(RepublicanPress.org) – Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives refer to programs that focus on a culture of equity backed by policies and practices that include every American. DEI experts say such programs are all about breaking barriers so that everyone has the chance to succeed in the United States. However, the GOP has been pushing back on such initiatives.
On June 12, Senator JD Vance (R-OH) and Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) introduced the Dismantle DEI Act, which would remove all governmental grant funding from DEI initiatives. It would also stop agencies from “requiring DEI in schools.” The GOP lawmakers believe such programs sow “hatred and racial division” and the DEI ideology is “destructive.” The legislation would also eliminate the requirement that federal agencies track “diversity and inclusion” statistics.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) also back the bill — in addition to 16 GOP members of the House. Cassidy stated that “DEI institutionalizes discrimination in hiring,” adding that Americans want the “most qualified candidates” in positions, “not the most favored.” Blackburn scorned President Joe Biden for allowing DEI programs and “forcing taxpayers to foot the bill.” She claimed the initiatives were a “waste of taxpayer money” and go against “equality.
Republican lawmakers on the state level have also fought back against DEI programs and initiatives over the last few years. NBC News provided a map showing over 30 states in the union either introduced or passed bills restricting or regulating the practice. Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern (R) previously stated that he didn’t “want public money going to political activism,” like DEI. He liked the initiative to the Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ rights movements.
Claremont Institute Center for the American Way of Life Director Arthur Milikh believes that DEI “destroys competence while making Americans into enemies.” His group is backing the recent congressional bills. If the bills pass Congress, the president is unlikely to support them.
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