Statement in Opposition to Anti-DEI Legislative Efforts in Mississippi

I strongly oppose the legislative efforts to prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Mississippi’s public schools and colleges. These measures are not about protecting education—they are about limiting opportunity, silencing perspectives, and turning back the clock on progress.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not partisan concepts; they are fundamental values that ensure all Mississippians—regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status—have access to educational and professional opportunities. These initiatives help create an environment where every student can thrive, where faculty and staff are prepared to support diverse student bodies, and where Mississippi remains competitive in a global economy that values inclusivity.

Efforts to dismantle DEI programs send the wrong message about who we are as a state. Instead of working to improve educational outcomes, expand access, and prepare students for the future, these policies aim to score political points at the expense of students and institutions.

Mississippi has a history that demands we do better. We have seen the consequences of exclusion and division, and we have worked too hard to move forward. I will continue to stand against any legislation that seeks to undermine equity in education and strip away the tools that help all Mississippians succeed. Our focus should be on building a stronger, more inclusive Mississippi—not tearing down progress.

TAKE ACTION! Contact your state legislator to express your concerns about these efforts and demand they vote NO!