1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs is deeply concerning. These initiatives were established to boost educational and workforce opportunities for underrepresented groups like women, people of color, the disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Dismantling DEI threatens to reverse hard-won civil rights gains and deny millions access to essential government services and programs. The disruption caused by eliminating DEI across federal agencies is already having severe consequences. The National Science Foundation froze 40,000 research grants, hampering vital work. Similar turmoil is unfolding government-wide as agencies scramble to comply, jeopardizing jobs and impacting services Americans rely upon. Bold action is needed to protect DEI and the citizens it serves. Forcefully condemning these misguided orders and supporting legal challenges against them sends a powerful message. Additionally, shielding state and local DEI efforts from federal overreach upholds our nation's commitment to equal opportunity. If Congress fails to push back, the harm to vulnerable communities and public interests could be catastrophic.