The Republican senator calls for an overhaul of Michigan’s diversity initiatives, citing voter dissatisfaction and taxpayer concerns.
Runestad Demands Halt to State-Funded DEI Programs
LANSING, Mich. — State Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) has called on Governor Gretchen Whitmer to end Michigan’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing they are wasteful and misaligned with the priorities of Michigan voters.
In a letter sent Thursday, Runestad urged Whitmer to follow recent actions taken by former President Donald J. Trump and Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who have both moved to replace DEI programs with policies emphasizing Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI).
“On Nov. 5, the people of Michigan voted to end this type of nonsense and return effectiveness and efficiency to government,” Runestad wrote. “In replace of DEI, the state of Michigan should adopt MEI initiatives that strengthen the bureaucracy to better serve the needs of the people.”
Growing Push Against DEI Initiatives
Runestad’s demands align with Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order that ended federal DEI programs and prioritizations. Governor Braun of Indiana took similar action last week, issuing an executive order replacing DEI practices with merit-based metrics.
Runestad suggested Whitmer’s political aspirations might be at stake, stating, “If our governor truly has the presidential aspirations that many pundits predict, then she should start following the example of a real president. Voters sent a clear message in November. It is time to put an end to wasteful woke DEI social engineering experiments funded at taxpayer expense.”
Concerns Over Transparency in DEI Spending
Runestad highlighted concerns about the lack of transparency in state DEI expenditures, suggesting the total costs are concealed within the broader state budget.
“It remains unclear exactly how much state government currently spends on DEI because many DEI-designated employees are hidden in the budget,” Runestad said.
He compared the situation to the University of Michigan, which allocated nearly $250 million to DEI-related activities before making adjustments in December.
Proposed Shift to Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence Policies
Runestad’s proposed MEI policies aim to replace DEI frameworks with systems focused on merit-based hiring, excellence in public service, and intelligence-driven decision-making.
Supporters of MEI argue that such policies prioritize efficiency and accountability, contrasting with what they perceive as the ideological nature of DEI programs.
Critics, however, warn that dismantling DEI initiatives could undermine progress in addressing systemic inequalities and improving workplace diversity in Michigan’s government institutions.
Broader Implications for Michigan and National Politics
Runestad’s call to action reflects a broader trend in Republican-led states and institutions, where DEI initiatives have come under scrutiny for their cost and perceived ideological bias.
While Whitmer has not yet responded to Runestad’s letter, political analysts suggest her administration may resist such changes, particularly given its alignment with broader Democratic Party priorities.
As debates over DEI and MEI frameworks continue, Michigan’s approach could serve as a test case for balancing inclusivity and efficiency in state governance.
Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Features – Stories of Michigan’s people, places, and events that shape the Great Lake State.
- Weird Political News – A humorous look at the quirks of U.S. politics.
- Michigan News – Local updates and impactful stories from Michigan’s Upper Thumb region.
Your Turn – Like This, or Hate it – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out on ThumbWind Publications.
