Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, expressed strong criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in a series of posts on July 22, 2025.

In his first post, Schmitt wrote: "This new system has gone by many names. Today, it has found its most radical and extreme expression in the form of 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' — or DEI. DEI is not just illegal — it's a fraudulent and cynical doctrine, from top to bottom, built upon layers of lies." (July 22, 2025)

He continued his critique by addressing government practices: "In many blue states, DEI is now entrenched in every level of government decision-making. At the federal level, it's produced a vast universe of civil service preferences, billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded minority-only grants, and open racial discrimination in contracting." (July 22, 2025)

Schmitt also commented on corporate adoption of DEI policies: "In the corporate world, DEI has meant hiring and promotion not on the basis of competence, but on the basis of race and sex—a world where one’s place in the new caste system determines who rises and who falls." (July 22, 2025)

DEI programs have become widespread across public institutions and private companies in recent years. These initiatives are designed to address historical inequities related to race and gender through various policies such as targeted recruitment efforts or grant programs. While supporters argue that these measures promote fairness and representation for marginalized groups—especially after national conversations following events like George Floyd's death—critics such as Schmitt contend that they may conflict with existing anti-discrimination laws or lead to reverse discrimination.

Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt has previously taken legal action against certain federal diversity requirements during his tenure as state attorney general.