Central Louisiana News

On June 13, 2024, a group of U.S. Senators and Representatives introduced the Dismantle DEI Act to eliminate all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and funding. The bill targets federal agencies, contractors, organizations, and educational accreditation agencies that receive federal funding and maintain DEI programs.

“DEI institutionalizes discrimination in hiring,” said Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). “Taxpayers expect the most qualified candidates to be hired, not the most favored.”

Senator JD Vance (R-OH) described DEI as a "destructive ideology" that fosters division. “The DEI agenda is a destructive ideology that breeds hatred and racial division. It has no place in our federal government or anywhere else in our society,” he stated.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) criticized President Biden's administration for supporting DEI initiatives. “President Biden is unfairly forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for federal ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ programs that do nothing but divide Americans,” she said.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) argued that DEI programs shift focus away from public service to social experiments. “DEI doesn’t promote diversity of thought or merit-based employment and promotion. It divides people rather than focusing on our inherent equality as Americans," he noted.

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) emphasized his long-standing opposition to DEI rhetoric within government agencies. “Divisive DEI rhetoric and programs have no place in our government,” he remarked.

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) also expressed his disapproval of taxpayer dollars being used for what he called a "woke" agenda under the Biden administration. "Americans have had enough," Scott said.

The Dismantle DEI Act aims to rescind executive orders related to DEI, terminate Chief Diversity Officers, close DEI offices, end related training sessions, outlaw mandatory employee pledges concerning DEI practices, and revoke all associated funding across various federal departments including Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services among others.

U.S. Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX-27), who introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives stated: “These initiatives...have instead fostered division and racial bias within our institutions." He added that it is essential to restore merit-based systems in American government institutions.

The proposed legislation has received endorsements from Heritage Action for America, Citizens for Renewing America, and the Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life.