Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) called for government agencies to resist President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates in federal institutions. Speaking on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports on Wednesday, Durbin argued that promoting diversity is essential to the country’s strength and urged agencies, corporations, and universities to continue implementing DEI initiatives despite Trump’s directive.
Durbin stated that the order is designed to discourage efforts to enhance diversity in leadership roles across both government agencies and private companies. “I happen to think that diversity is America’s strength,” Durbin said, asserting that entities should “do the right thing anyway” by maintaining DEI programs.
Trump’s executive order, announced earlier this week, rescinds mandates originally introduced to promote DEI practices in federal agencies and government contractors. The administration argued that such programs undermine merit-based systems and foster division. Under the order, federal agencies are prohibited from pressuring contractors to meet workforce quotas based on race, gender, or other identity factors.
Durbin’s comments reflect opposition to the order among congressional Democrats, who view the elimination of DEI initiatives as a rollback of progress in promoting equity and representation in leadership roles. The senator’s remarks suggest an effort to rally individuals and organizations to uphold DEI principles despite the change in federal policy.
The debate underscores broader ideological divisions over the role of diversity initiatives in government and the private sector, with Republicans arguing for merit-based systems and Democrats emphasizing the importance of fostering equity and inclusion.