Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Chairman Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) led a hearing today titled "Sacrificing Excellence for Ideology: The Real Cost of DEI." In his remarks, Grothman criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in various sectors including the workforce, government, and education. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the Civil Rights Act to ensure true equality in the United States.
Grothman stated that DEI policies have evolved from affirmative action programs initiated by President Johnson's 1965 executive order. He remarked that these policies aimed to reverse past discrimination but argued they resulted in more discrimination instead. According to Grothman, "Discrimination should never be fought with more discrimination."
The chairman noted that DEI has permeated numerous institutions over six decades, influencing higher education, corporate workplaces, government agencies, and military operations. He suggested these policies promote division by categorizing individuals into groups rather than treating them as individuals.
Grothman referenced an executive order signed by President Biden on his first day in office promoting DEI in federal employment. He claimed this order expanded racial divisions to include immigrants. However, he pointed out that former President Trump rescinded this order along with other similar directives.
Highlighting recent judicial decisions, Grothman mentioned a Supreme Court ruling rejecting heightened standards for majority group members filing discrimination cases against employers. He also referred to a 2023 Supreme Court decision ending race-based admissions programs at colleges and universities.
Grothman asserted that steps taken by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives are vital but acknowledged further efforts are needed. "Above all," he said, "we have to educate the American public [on] what’s been going on in this country the last 60 years."
He concluded by expressing hope that the hearing would allow for discussions on reforms aimed at strengthening meritocracy without fostering division among Americans.
