A coalition of state attorneys general takes aim at corporate diversity practices amid growing debate over workplace equity programs.
According to Just The News, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is spearheading an effort alongside 14 other state attorneys general demanding that Business Roundtable members terminate their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, citing the Supreme Court's recent ruling on affirmative action in college admissions.
The attorneys general argue that these corporate DEI initiatives have strayed from merit-based hiring practices and potentially violate employment laws. They emphasize that such programs have negatively impacted both businesses and consumers while deviating from traditional corporate responsibilities.
Missouri's top prosecutor Bailey expressed strong opposition to what he describes as ideologically driven corporate policies. His stance reflects a growing pushback against DEI initiatives in the corporate sector, particularly following recent legal precedents.
The coalition's letter to Business Roundtable members specifically references the Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions decision. They argue this ruling has implications beyond educational institutions, extending into corporate hiring practices.
The attorneys general warned of potential legal consequences for companies maintaining DEI programs. They referenced their authority to investigate corporations under state consumer protection laws.
Bailey shared his perspective on the matter, stating:
As Attorney General, I will ensure that corporate policies are focused on our state's success and not ideological distractions. The Business Roundtable has decided that racist DEI initiatives are more important than free market. I am fighting to protect working Americans and investors from these woke political trends and blatant racial discrimination.
The Business Roundtable, representing CEOs of major American companies, faces increasing scrutiny over its members' DEI policies. The organization's stated mission focuses on fostering U.S. economic growth and competitiveness.
Consumer watchdog groups have voiced support for the attorneys general's initiative. Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers' Research, endorsed the action against what he termed "unlawful DEI activism."
The attorneys general's demands have garnered attention from various stakeholders in the business community. Their letter specifically quotes economist Milton Friedman's philosophy regarding corporate responsibility to stockholders.
State legal authorities emphasized their readiness to take action should companies fail to comply with their demands. This stance suggests potential future legal challenges to corporate DEI programs.
The coalition's message stressed the importance of returning to merit-based hiring practices, viewing them as essential for corporate success and legal compliance.
A group of 15 state attorneys general, led by Missouri's Andrew Bailey, has demanded Business Roundtable member CEOs abandon their DEI initiatives, citing legal concerns and potential harm to business operations. The coalition's letter references the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling as precedent and warns of possible investigations under state consumer protection laws. The Business Roundtable members must now decide how to respond to these demands while facing potential legal challenges and increased scrutiny of their hiring practices.
