Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has called on the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General to investigate the use of federal funds by colleges and universities for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
"The primary problem with DEI is that it does not actually promote inclusivity. It is the opposite of diversity of thought when all members of the campus community are forced into groups based on their race and heritage," wrote Dr. Cassidy. "Concerningly, at the same time that colleges and universities are spending record amounts to bolster their DEI infrastructure, the DEI ideology is being used as cover to justify discrimination and acts of intimidation on college campuses."
Dr. Cassidy emphasized that institutions receiving federal funding should prioritize academic success over ideological activism. He expressed concern about rising education costs and administrative spending on DEI programs rather than direct educational improvements.
A 2021 study found that an average institution employs 45 staff members for DEI policies. Membership in the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education grew by 60 percent between 2020 and 2022. Another study revealed that 91 percent of freshman orientation programs included DEI topics.
Dr. Cassidy also highlighted incidents where Jewish students faced discrimination following Hamas' October 7th massacre in Israel.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General Bruce, Dr. Cassidy requested an investigation into how Title IV funding has been used for DEI-related expenses over the past five years. The letter also sought detailed information on mandatory diversity statements for employment or admissions applications, required DEI training for students or employees, implicit bias tests during freshman orientation, and DEI-related graduation requirements.
Cassidy previously wrote an op-ed in the Washington Examiner criticizing DEI's influence in higher education and co-sponsored the Dismantle DEI Act aimed at eliminating federal funding for DEI programs across various sectors.
The full text of his letter can be accessed through official channels.
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