This story originally appeared in the Statehouse Spotlight newsletter published by Mountain State Spotlight. Get coverage of the legislative session delivered to your email inbox Monday – Thursday; sign up for the free newsletter at mountainstatespotlight.org/newsletter
On the frigid morning of inauguration day, when politicians seek to lay out their agendas and rally crowds of supporters, Gov. Patrick Morrisey chose to align West Virginia’s priorities with those of the Trump White House.
In his speech, Morrisey used President Donald Trump’s rhetoric to disparage diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
DEI programs promote fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly those who have been underrepresented and faced discrimination.
“We’ll teach our kids civics and eliminate the woke virus from the schools,” Morrisey said. “And that means starting now: no more DEI.”
Some legislators have questioned whether this issue is a priority for the state.
Earlier this month, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, told reporters he hadn’t spoken to the governor about introducing legislation about ending DEI.
“It’s not something he’s asked us to do, and at this point, I have no reason to believe that we would,” he said.
But just a week later, Morrisey sent bills to the Senate and House intending to eliminate practices that support equity and inclusion from state-funded programs.
On the first day of his administration, Morrisey signed an executive order directing state agencies and boards to review all DEI-related programs.
Agencies were required to submit a report by Feb. 14 and a proposal to end any of these initiatives by April 14.
Yet, business leaders warn that these anti-diversity efforts could harm the state’s ability to attract talent and new businesses when workforce shortages are already hurting businesses.
The Chamber of Commerce has said inclusion practices can boost creativity, increase productivity and lower turnover rates.
They’ve pledged to oppose legislation that “promotes or allows discrimination.”
West Virginia already struggles with one of the country’s highest pay gaps and lowest workforce participation rates for women, alongside minorities who face even larger gaps. And businesses are struggling to fill positions.
Kaylin Jorge, communications director for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said businesses have a goal to attract and retain a qualified workforce.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from our members that they need the freedom to make decisions that are right for their businesses,” she said. “One of the biggest challenges for businesses we hear about is finding qualified candidates for open positions.”
Following the Trump administration’s opposition to DEI practices, several big companies have abandoned or restructured their commitments to DEI. Some of those companies, like Toyota, Target, and Amazon, have factories and locations that employ many West Virginians across the state.
Eli Baumwell, director of the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, said the organization has been watching the legislature closely as bills targeting equity practices could directly infringe on the freedom of speech and represent government overreach.
“The state has real issues, not these made-up wedge issues,” he said. “These DEI programs are deliberately designed to help move toward more equity and more justice.”
Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said those policies help everyone, including minorities, women, and veterans.
He said lawmakers need to focus on data-driven statistics about wealth inequality, education, and workforce development challenges that impact minorities.
“DEI has only ever been about being included in the line, never about skipping the line,” he said. “Let’s put this boogeyman to bed and start working together.”
Reach reporter Tre Spencer at tre@mountainstatespotlight.org
