Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks to supporters on Aug. 6, 2024, in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Tuesday directing all Missouri state agencies to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The order bans agencies from using state funding for diversity training initiatives and from incorporating DEI into hiring and contracting practices.
“Our state agencies must operate under a framework that ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and merit-based decision-making,” Kehoe said in a news release. “This order reaffirms Missouri’s commitment to a constitutional, color-blind approach that serves all citizens fairly.”
The order comes after the Missouri House gave initial approval on Monday to legislation that would create similar restrictions to state funding to DEI initiatives.
During debate on that bill, the sponsor, Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, insisted that the limitations in the bill would not undercut the functions of state agencies, such as the Office of Equal Opportunity.
That agency’s vision, stated on its website, is that it “aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment for all Missourians by centralizing the state’s workforce diversity programs in order to promote a talented workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the citizens of Missouri and enhance the state’s economy through supplier diversity.”
Agency officials and those at other state departments could not be reached Tuesday for comment on Kehoe’s order.
Kehoe’s order defines diversity, equity and inclusion as including “efforts to manipulate or influence the composition of an organization based solely on race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.”
The order also includes policies and programs intended to benefit individuals based on those characteristics.
Kehoe’s statement added that the order “does not apply to any requirements in federal or state statute that uphold the rights and freedoms of Missouri citizens. State agencies will continue to enforce all laws that prohibit discrimination and ensure fairness for all citizens.”
State agencies, like the University of Missouri, have 90 days to review and dismantle existing initiatives that violate the order.
“At the University of Missouri, we follow all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. We will carefully review this order and ensure we are in compliance with it as applicable,” University of Missouri spokesperson Christopher Ave said in response to the order.
Last year, the Missourian found that designated diversity programs, which have been a target of Missouri Republicans for the past few years, were rare in state agencies.
However, the story noted that DEI concepts could still be part of an agency’s internal practices, hiring and workplace culture.
This story first appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.