1. United States
2. N.H.
3. Letter

The proposed dissolution of the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Health Equity, Department of Environmental Services' functions for civil rights and environmental justice, and the Governor's Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion is misguided and harmful. These entities play a vital role in promoting equity, addressing systemic disparities, and ensuring all citizens have equal access to opportunities and a healthy environment regardless of their background. Equity is not about granting special privileges but rather removing institutionalized barriers and leveling the playing field. The Office of Health Equity works to identify and mitigate factors that lead to poorer health outcomes among marginalized communities. Environmental justice initiatives tackle the disproportionate burden of pollution and environmental hazards faced by low-income areas and communities of color. The Council on Diversity and Inclusion provides valuable guidance on fostering an inclusive society. Dismantling these important programs and offices would constitute a regressive step that disregards overwhelming evidence of persisting inequities. It would undermine our shared values of fairness, equal protection under the law, and human dignity. We must remain committed to building a more just and equitable society for all. I urge you to reject this short-sighted proposal and instead support strengthening efforts to address systemic disparities through evidence-based policies and programs.