Tennessee Leads Nation in Ending Discriminatory DEI Policies

For too long, so-called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies have actually discriminated against qualified individuals based on characteristics like race, religion, and national origin. These policies prioritize group identity over individual merit, creating a system where decisions are based on appearance rather than ability.

That ends now in Tennessee. I'm proud to report that we became the first state in the nation to successfully pass comprehensive legislation prohibiting DEI hiring practices in local government and public universities.

Our Four-Pronged Attack on DEI:

1. Ended Race-Based College Admissions - Public and private colleges in Tennessee are now prohibited from making admissions, scholarship, or financial aid decisions based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

2. Eliminated Race-Based State Board Appointments - We eliminated discriminatory requirements for state regulatory and health-related boards. Appointments must now be based on qualifications and merit.

3. Banned DEI Hiring Practices - Local governments and public universities are now prohibited from making hiring decisions based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability status.

4. Shut Down DEI Departments - State and local governments, as well as public higher education institutions, are prohibited from maintaining offices or departments that promote discriminatory preferences.

Why This Matters: These aren't just policy changes - they represent a fundamental shift toward true equality. In East Tennessee, we believe all opportunities should be based on merit, qualifications, hard work, and character. When we judge people by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin, everyone benefits.

Real Impact:

• Students applying to Tennessee colleges know they'll be judged on their achievements, not their ancestry

• Job applicants can trust they'll be evaluated on their qualifications, not their group identity

• Board appointments go to the most qualified candidates

• Taxpayer dollars aren't wasted on divisive DEI departments

This is what real equality looks like. This is what the American Dream demands. And this is what Tennessee delivers.