DEI hiring boost for one blue state’s Muslim commission initiative flies in face of Trump’s anti-woke push

Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey speaks during a Democratic election night party on Nov.8, 2022, in Boston.(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

The Muslim commission would influence government recruiting and, “Identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions, as the commission considers necessary and appropriate,” according to language in the bill.

“Massachusetts has always prided itself on being a leader in equality and civil rights, a legacy this bill builds upon,” said Democratic state Sen.Jamie Eldridge, the bill’s primary sponsor.

“American Muslims in my district and across the Commonwealth enrich our communities as students, healthcare workers, educators, small business owners, and civic leaders,” Eldridge added in the press release on the proposal.“This commission will help the state better understand and address the challenges they face, while strengthening inclusion and civic participation.“

Senate Bill S.2134 currently sits in the state’sSenate Ways and Means Committeeafter clearing initial committee markups and votes.

Read More → Americans warned popular travel routes this summer could carry crime and kidnapping risks

Muslims account for an estimated 2% to 3% of Massachusetts’ population, according to approximate figures from Pew Research Center and the U.S.Census.

Read More → Vicious Vicki talks TNA Knockouts TV Championship tournament, why the promotion is where she wants to be

COAST GUARD ENDING RACE-BASED ADMISSIONS FOR OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAM UNDER TRUMP DEI CRACKDOWN

Quran(Getty Images)

Massachusetts’ push comes as President Donald Trump has made it a mission of his administration tocut back on DEI programsin the private sector, as well as in the federal government.

“President Trump was resoundingly elected with a mandate to end divisive, racist policies and restore merit and efficiency,”“DEI ran rampant during the Biden Administration, and Americans ultimately paid the price for these destructive policies with a restricted labor pool, higher operational costs, and workforce inefficiencies,” Shuster added.“The Trump Administration will always promote equal treatment under the law for every American, regardless of race or ethnicity.”

The president’s team hasterminated federal DEI-related contractsand eliminated DEI federal government programs.

Read More → 12 biggest Apple WWDC 2026 takeaways you need to know

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

The Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

Part of Trump’s initiative during his first 100 days with the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was to put an end to programs that prioritized hiring and representation in the workplace based on applicants’ protected classes.

Read More → ‘Tanmaxxing’trend could come at a dangerous cost, skin cancer experts warn

Many Republicans, including the president and Musk, claimed that DEI was “reverse discrimination” that provided unfair preferences against majority groups in the U.S.

Gov.Healey’s request for comment on the legislation.

Ashley J.