- United States
- Wash.
- Letter
The attorney general's move to criminalize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies in the private sector is an alarming overreach that infringes on the rights of businesses to operate as they see fit. Rather than wasting resources on policing how companies hire, promote, and support employees, the Department of Justice should be focusing on real issues that impact the lives of all Americans – like addressing rising costs of living, corporate corruption, and strengthening the economy. Numerous studies have shown that companies with strong DEIA initiatives outperform their peers in financial metrics, innovation, and employee retention. These policies are not discriminatory, but rather reflect a commitment to creating inclusive workplaces that attract top talent from diverse backgrounds. By criminalizing DEIA, the DOJ is actively undermining the competitiveness of American businesses and punishing companies for adopting best practices that increase profitability. In a free market economy, private entities should have the autonomy to implement policies that align with their values and benefit their bottom line, without fear of criminal prosecution from the government. This solution in search of a problem demonstrably harms the interests of American businesses, universities, and the broader economy. The Department of Justice must refocus its efforts on substantive issues that matter to the citizens it serves, rather than wage an ideological crusade against widely accepted corporate practices.
