Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, representing Missouri in the U.S. Senate, addressed issues related to civil rights and diversity initiatives in a series of tweets posted on July 22, 2025. The tweets previewed an upcoming Senate Judiciary hearing he would chair, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in corporate America and higher education.

In one post from July 22, Schmitt wrote: "These actions are just the beginning. But they represent, at long last, the first serious attempt by the American government to reassert the principle that civil rights belong to ALL Americans.

This hearing is about ensuring that we do everything in our power to finish the job."

On the same day, Schmitt referenced recent efforts under former President Donald Trump’s administration: "Under President Trump, we've begun to do just that. With the leadership of people like AAG @HarmeetKDhillon inside the administration, and allies like @America1stLegal President @GeneHamiltonUSA outside of it, this admin has moved boldly to restore equal treatment under the law."

Later that evening, Schmitt criticized DEI programs ahead of his scheduled hearing: "DEI isn't about diversity, it's about discrimination.

Tomorrow, I’m chairing a Senate Judiciary hearing to expose how it’s corrupting corporate America and our universities."

Schmitt's remarks reflect ongoing debates within Congress over DEI policies. In recent years—especially following Supreme Court decisions affecting affirmative action—Republican lawmakers have increasingly scrutinized such programs for their impact on hiring practices and campus admissions. As chair of this particular Senate Judiciary hearing, Schmitt is positioned at the forefront of these legislative discussions.