The Missouri Senate has revealed the creation of three new legislative committees, with one focused specifically on analyzing state-funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to align public policies with Missouri’s conservative principles.
Key Committee to Evaluate DEI Programs
Among the newly formed bodies is the Select Committee on Equal Protection and DEI, tasked with examining whether DEI initiatives funded by the state adhere to constitutional principles of equal protection.
According to a Senate news release, the committee will closely evaluate these programs to ensure they do not conflict with state laws or recent executive directives.
Tied to Governor Kehoe’s Executive Order
This move follows Governor Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 25-18, issued in February 2025, which mandated the elimination of DEI policies across all Missouri state agencies.
The order explicitly prohibits the use of state funds for DEI activities and prevents state departments from incorporating DEI standards into their hiring practices.
Governor Kehoe defined DEI as initiatives aimed at influencing or altering organizational structures based solely on attributes such as race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The new Senate committee will compare current DEI programs with the restrictions outlined in this executive order to determine compliance.
Committee Members Announced
The following Missouri state senators have been appointed to serve on the Committee on Equal Protection and DEI:
- Sen. Mike Moon (Republican – Ash Grove)
- Sen. Rick Brattin (Republican – Harrisonville)
- Sen. Joe Nicola (Republican – Grain Valley)
- Sen. Karla May (Democrat – St. Louis)
- Sen. Barbara Washington (Democrat – Kansas City)
This bipartisan panel is expected to play a crucial role in assessing the legality and appropriateness of DEI funding in Missouri’s public sector.
Two Other Committees Also Established
In addition to the DEI-focused panel, the Missouri Senate also announced two other select committees:
- Committee on Government Modernization and Transformation – Tasked with identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and responsiveness in state government operations.
- Committee on Property Taxes and the State Tax Commission – Responsible for examining tax policies, assessments, and the overall impact on Missouri property owners.
These committees will also issue reports consistent with Missouri’s conservative approach to governance, emphasizing limited and effective use of public resources.
The Missouri Senate’s formation of three new committees reflects a strategic effort to reevaluate state priorities, spending, and constitutional adherence—with particular attention to the role of DEI in government.
As scrutiny intensifies under Executive Order 25-18, state-funded DEI programs are likely to undergo significant review and potential restructuring.
These developments mark a pivotal moment in shaping the future of public policy and inclusivity efforts in Missouri.