Kehoe takes aim at DEI in state agencies with executive order

Gov. Mike Kehoe has followed up on a pledge in his inaugural State of the State address with an executive order on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Kehoe on Tuesday signed an executive order that requires Missouri state agencies to eliminate DEI initiatives and stop considering such practices in hiring decisions, and it also bars the use of state funds for DEI programs by the agencies, according to a news release.

“Missourians deserve a government that treats all individuals equally, without preferential treatment or discrimination based on immutable characteristics,” Kehoe said in the release. “Our state agencies must operate under a framework that ensures fairness, equal opportunity and merit-based decision-making. This order reaffirms Missouri’s commitment to a constitutional, color-blind approach that serves all citizens fairly.”

The order does not apply to state-funded public universities, said Gabby Picard, communications director for Kehoe's office.

Missouri State University last month cited pressure from the state in discontinuing its DEI initiatives.

"For us to continue providing a quality education to our students, we must align with the requirements laid out by state leadership," MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams said last month, noting 38% of the university's budget comes from the state.

It's unclear if further DEI restrictions are coming from Kehoe, who made mention of DEI programs in his State of the State address on Jan. 28.

“This administration will be built on merit, and we will not support DEI programs in state government,” Kehoe said in the address before the 103rd General Assembly in Jefferson City. “I will be taking action on this in the coming weeks.”

Kehoe's executive order, which is effective immediately, states, in part, "that no state funds shall be utilized by executive agencies toward policies, procedures, practices, trainings, contracts, positions, organizational structures, programs or activities that solely or primarily support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives."

There are multiple state agency offices in Springfield, including the Missouri Department of Transportation's Southwest District on East Kearney Street and the downtown Landers and Penney state office buildings.