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

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.