Jeffries Critiques Trump Administration’s Stance on Civil Rights

House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed a gathering of left-leaning activists on Thursday, asserting that the Trump administration is engaged in a significant assault on civil rights by resisting efforts centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Following his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump announced an executive order aimed at halting DEI initiatives within the federal government. During his remarks at the National Action Network’s annual conference, Jeffries emphasized that DEI aligns with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

“No matter what these extremists are attempting with their comprehensive assault on civil rights, voting rights, and particularly on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we cannot let them mislead the American people,” the New York Democrat stated. “They want to imply that diversity, equity, and inclusion are alien concepts. But they are not; they are truly American values.”

Jeffries elaborated, saying, “The motto of this great nation, ‘E pluribus unum,’—which translates to ‘Out of many, one’— embodies diversity. The 14th Amendment, one of the key constitutional amendments in our history, contains an equal protection clause, ensuring fairness under the law.”

In a recent announcement, Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth revealed that as of September 30, racial and gender promotion quotas will be scrapped. He also emphasized that all soldiers in combat roles will have to meet a singular combat fitness standard.

Jeffries continued, stating, “Across this nation, from the coastlines to the heartland, when individuals recite the Pledge of Allegiance, they affirm their allegiance to the United States and the principles it stands for: one nation, indivisible, under God, with liberty and justice for all. That embodies inclusion.” He reiterated that attacks on DEI amount to attacks on the United States itself.

“We hold a strong position on this matter, which is why we are thankful for Reverend Sharpton and the National Action Network’s ongoing collaboration,” Jeffries remarked.

The Supreme Court recently used the 14th Amendment to invalidate racially sensitive admissions policies at both the University of North Carolina and Harvard University, reaching a 6-3 decision in one case and a 6-2 in the other, with rulings expected in June 2023.