‘Equity Is Not Equality,’ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Office Says
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s office warned state agencies and public university leaders that hiring for any reason other than merit is against the law.
“Federal and state law forbid discrimination against a current or prospective employer because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or military service,” Abbott’s Chief of Staff Gardner Pate wrote in a letter on Feb. 4. (pdf)
Many organizations have created Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, which are touted as a way to build a more diverse workplace reflecting the diversity in society.
“Indeed, rather than increasing diversity in the workplace, these DEI initiatives are having the opposite effect and are being advanced in ways that proactively encourage discrimination in the workplace,” the letter continued. “Illegally adding DEI as a condition of employment leads to the exclusion and alienation of individuals from the workplace.”…