Missouri Legislative Black Caucus condemns Governor Kehoe’s DEI ban

State Rep. Michael Johnson, Chair, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus strongly opposes Executive Order 25-18, which eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within state agencies. This decision will not only harm marginalized communities but also weaken Missouri’s ability to recruit, retain, and serve a diverse workforce.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs have played a critical role in fostering inclusive workplaces, improving public services, and helping state agencies effectively serve all Missourians. By dismantling these initiatives, the Governor is stripping agencies of tools designed to create fair hiring practices, address workplace disparities, and enhance cultural competency in public service. This move will hinder efforts to build a state government that reflects the people it serves, ultimately making Missouri less competitive in attracting top talent.

Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts will also create new barriers to state services for marginalized communities. Many state programs—including those related to healthcare, education, workforce development, and social services—have historically struggled with accessibility due to systemic inequities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts have helped state agencies identify and address these disparities, making public resources more accessible to those who need them most. Without these initiatives, state departments may face new challenges in serving Missouri’s diverse population effectively, leading to gaps in access and worsened outcomes for underserved communities.

Rather than eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, Missouri should be working toward policies that create a more inclusive and equitable state for all residents. Now is the time for all Missourians to stand up for a government that reflects and serves its diverse population.

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus will remain committed to advocating for policies that strengthen our state institutions, uplift underserved communities, and equip state agencies to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population. We will not waver in our commitment to fighting for a fairer, more inclusive state, and we urge leaders across Missouri to join us in rejecting this dangerous step backward.