On February 18, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-18, directing all Missouri state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The order prohibits the use of state funds for DEI-related positions and bars agencies from considering DEI factors in hiring decisions.
Governor Kehoe stated, “Missourians deserve a government that treats all individuals equally, without preferential treatment or discrimination based on immutable characteristics.”
This executive action has sparked a debate about its potential impact on health equity programs across the state.
Organizations like the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) and the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) have long been committed to addressing health disparities.
MHA’s Health Equity Committee, for instance, provides resources to hospitals aiming to advance health equity, including guides with standard definitions and case studies from Missouri leaders.
Similarly, MFH publishes nonpartisan research and analyses on topics such as Missouri Medicaid and federal health reform, aiming to inform decisions that promote health equity.
The Missouri Office of Minority Health also works to eliminate health disparities through leadership and engagement with minority communities.
The executive order mandates that state agencies conduct a comprehensive review of existing contracts, programs, and policies within 90 days to ensure compliance.
While the order asserts that it does not override federal or state laws prohibiting discrimination, there is concern about how the elimination of DEI programs might affect initiatives designed to support marginalized groups.
Critics argue that removing DEI programs could hinder efforts to address systemic health disparities, potentially affecting funding and operations of programs dedicated to health equity.
As state agencies begin their reviews, the future of these health-focused initiatives remains uncertain, prompting discussions among policymakers, healthcare providers, and community advocates about the best path forward to ensure equitable healthcare access for all Missourians.
