Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
The Campus DEI Retreat
The University of Michigan has disbanded its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office as various educational institutions seek ways to navigate the increasing scrutiny from former President Trump’s administration.
FIRST ON FOX: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is set to unveil a new policy on Tuesday prohibiting law firms with DEI initiatives from serving as outside counsel for the Attorney General’s office.
Uthmeier expressed concern in his policy memo regarding what he perceives as discriminatory practices prevalent in many law firms across the country. He stated, “If we are genuinely committed to the rule of law, then we must equally commit to justice for all. DEI and ESG practices undermines these foundational principles.”
According to the policy, the Florida Attorney General’s Office will immediately cease partnerships with private law firms that engage in what they deem to be discriminatory practices. Uthmeier emphasized the importance of utilizing taxpayer resources in a manner that does not support law firms that violate principles of equality.
JASMINE CROCKETT SETS OFF SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER TOUTING BEING BLACK AS QUALIFICATION FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER JOB
The announcement reflects Uthmeier’s commitment to reject law firms that adhere to DEI mandates. (Getty Images)
The policy specifically targets law firms that have implemented programs associated with diversity initiatives, including those maintaining Mansfield Certification, which requires diversity in senior leadership, as well as involvement with diversity scorecards and various racial hiring goals.
Uthmeier indicated that his office would begin a thorough review of current selections for outside legal counsel to ensure adherence to this new directive.
In this evaluation process, the Attorney General’s office will also take into account individual lawyers who may disapprove of DEI and ESG initiatives, even if they are part of firms that endorse such programs.
COLORADO DEMS RAM ABORTION, TRANSGENDER BILLS THROUGH ON LIMITED SUNDAY SESSION DEBATE: ‘UNPRECEDENTED’
The scrutiny faced by DEI and ESG programs is now a priority for the Florida AG’s office. (Getty Images)
The policy outlines further areas that will come under examination, including fellowship programs that are race-specific, mentorship initiatives based on ethnicity, and hiring practices designed explicitly around DEI frameworks, which could lead to hostile workplace allegations. Additionally, firms engaged in third-party diversity organizations may face disqualification.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively opposing DEI programs at the state level, coinciding with Trump’s broader critique of these initiatives within federal agencies and American institutions.
CONCERNED PARENTS OF TRANS KIDS COMPARED TO ‘HATE GROUPS’ BY COLORADO DEM: WOULDN’T ‘ASK THE KKK’ FOR OPINION
Trump’s administration has also suggested a comprehensive review of DEI practices nationwide. (Getty Images)
In April 2022, Florida introduced the Stop WOKE Act, aimed at limiting mandatory DEI training perceived as fostering innate racism or sexism. However, a federal court subsequently blocked portions of this law, asserting a violation of free speech as guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments. In a further effort, DeSantis enacted a law in 2023 prohibiting state or federal funding for DEI initiatives within public higher education institutions.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In March 2025, the Florida Supreme Court deliberated on the potential repeal of the requirement for law students to graduate from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited institutions, in response to the ABA’s diversity policies.
Source
www.foxnews.com