West Virginia governor bans DEI by executive order

On his second day in office, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey issued eight executive orders, including one that bans diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at all public institutions in the state.

“Theories of DEI are contrary to equal protection guarantees of the West Virginia and United States Constitution,” Executive Order No. 3-25 reads. “It is in the interest of the citizens of West Virginia that the State government treat them as equals under the law instead of preferentially or discriminatorily based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”

Among other things, the order prohibits any state institution from utilizing state funds, property or resources to “grant or support DEI staff positions, positions, procedures or programs” or to require DEI training, statements or the disclosure of “preferred pronouns.”

State agencies and institutions must also review their DEI policies and positions and submit a plan within 90 days for how they are going to eliminate them.

West Virginia joins a growing list of red states that have banned DEI at public institutions, including colleges and universities.