img

New West Virginia gov ends all state-funded DEI programs on Day 1

“I think the public deserves nothing less," said Governor Patrick Morrisey.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I think the public deserves nothing less," said Governor Patrick Morrisey.

ADVERTISEMENT
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a series of executive orders shortly after taking office, ending state-funded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and expanding vaccine exemptions for schools.

One of Morrisey's orders terminates DEI programs in state-run institutions, with the governor asserting that the measure will protect residents from racial and gender discrimination as well as "inappropriate" preferential treatment based on identity characteristics.

“I think the public deserves nothing less,” Morrisey stated during a press briefing at the state capitol. He cited the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, which declared race-based college admission practices unconstitutional, as a factor in the decision. The governor directed agency heads to review any DEI-related practices in their departments, stating, “Before I start calling everyone out, I want to see the changes put in place.”

In addition to the DEI directive, Morrisey enacted an order related to school vaccination policies. Under West Virginia law, children must be vaccinated for chickenpox, hepatitis-b, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus, and whooping cough before they can attend school, according to the AP.

However, the governor is pushing for religious exemptions to these requirements, aligning with the 2023 Equal Protection for Religion Act. This law says the government cannot “substantially burden” a person’s freedom of religion unless it can demonstrate a “compelling interest” to do so. Morrisey argued the law has not been “fully and properly enforced” since its passing.

Morrisey explained that the vaccine exemption will likely involve parents having to explain their religious beliefs in writing to the state Bureau of Public Health. He also intends to work with lawmakers to ensure the state’s vaccination statute explicitly allows for religious exemptions.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in to comment

Comments

Powered by The Post Millennial CMS™ Comments

Join and support independent free thinkers!

We’re independent and can’t be cancelled. The establishment media is increasingly dedicated to divisive cancel culture, corporate wokeism, and political correctness, all while covering up corruption from the corridors of power. The need for fact-based journalism and thoughtful analysis has never been greater. When you support The Post Millennial, you support freedom of the press at a time when it's under direct attack. Join the ranks of independent, free thinkers by supporting us today for as little as $1.

Support The Post Millennial

Remind me next month

To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2025 The Post Millennial, Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information