Columbia News

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, led a hearing focused on addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. These initiatives are seen by some as conflicting with civil rights laws.

Senator Schmitt emphasized the importance of equal protection under the law during his opening remarks. He stated, "Today’s hearing is about reaffirming a simple but radical truth: That all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of our laws — and that no Americans should be treated as second-class citizens in their own country."

He criticized universities for continuing race-based admissions despite a Supreme Court ruling against it in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. "Even now, after the Supreme Court ruled that race-based admissions are illegal...the universities continue to flout the law," he said.

In corporate America, Schmitt argued that DEI has led to hiring based on race and sex rather than competence. He noted Bloomberg's report stating that 94 percent of new jobs in S&P 100 companies went to people of color following Black Lives Matter protests.

Schmitt further expressed concerns about DEI's alignment with civil rights laws, advocating for an end to racial preferences and double standards. "The only just and legitimate interpretation of our civil rights laws is what their text plainly demands — equal treatment under the law," he asserted.

At various government levels, particularly in blue states, DEI initiatives have become widespread according to Schmitt. He criticized federal policies under the Biden Administration for excluding certain groups from financial relief efforts post-COVID-19 due to race or gender criteria.

During the hearing, Senator Schmitt questioned Harmeet Dhillon from the DOJ about efforts to eliminate DEI programs initiated by the Trump administration. Additionally, he engaged with Gene Hamilton from America First Legal regarding combating discriminatory practices.