Conservative leadership in Charleston and Washington has recently targeted government programs promoting diversity, known as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and President Donald Trump have taken executive actions to eliminate DEI from government, citing a desire to treat everyone equally regardless of race, gender, or national origin.
Morrisey’s executive order includes eliminating state programs that mandate training and employment decisions based on race or gender, while Trump has placed all DEI workers in the federal government on leave. Marshall University has also taken steps to comply with the executive orders by unpublished some DEI websites.
Opponents of DEI, like Morrisey, believe these programs create preferential treatment based on identity rather than merit. However, the ACLU of West Virginia argues that DEI programs are important for raising awareness of inequities faced by minorities, such as lower salaries and fewer opportunities. They warn that eliminating these programs could lead to ignoring these issues and potentially result in costly litigation for the state.
Despite the controversy, state leaders have until mid-February to identify and propose plans to eliminate any aspect of DEI within their departments or institutions. The debate over the role of DEI in government programs is ongoing, with supporters advocating for equity and inclusion, while opponents emphasize equal treatment under the law.
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