Kehoe Banned DEI. So Why Are Missouri Courts Still Requiring It?
One of Governor Kehoe’s first actions upon taking office was to ban DEI from State Agencies.
Agencies are prohibited from using state funds for DEI programming and training.
That’s why it was somewhat surprising when former Supreme Court Justice Mary Russell refused to eliminate the DEI training requirement for Missouri lawyers.
Now, as Chief Justice W. Brent Powell assumes his office, he has a chance to restore trust between Missouri’s courts, lawyers, and the public.
DEI doesn’t work.
It’s divisive, counter-productive, and unnecessary.
Missouri doesn’t support DEI.
Maintaining a DEI requirement feeds the perception that Missouri courts are out of step with its people.
Removing the requirement would be a significant step towards rebuilding trust that Chief Justice Powell can take immediately.
Only Missouri, Colorado, New York, Illinois, and Rhode Island mandate DEI training.
Even left-wing states like California, New Jersey, and Minnesota allow DEI training but make it optional.
Florida has gone so far as to prohibit CLE courses that use DEI quotas in the selection of faculty or participants. Diversity is no longer an acceptable topic for judicial ethics courses.
Chief Justice Powell and the Missouri Supreme Court have the authority to change this rule.
If they remain committed to imposing divisive ideological training on the officers of Missouri courts, Governor Kehoe and Conservatives in the Missouri legislature should use their Constitutional oversight powers.
Missouri’s Courts should not require DEI training.
Andy Bakker
Executive Director
Liberty Alliance USA