04-02-2025
Virginia NAACP condemns Virginia Attorney General Miyares for anti-DEI letter
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia NAACP condemns Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares following his letter to Costco asking them to end their DEI policies.
'Attorney General Miyares' attempt to impose a political agenda on businesses in Virginia is troubling.' says Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey, in a release.
, the condemnation came after a joint-letter was sent to the CEO of Costco, Ron Vachris. In the letter, it asks Vachris to 'end all unlawful discrimination imposed by the company through diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.'
The letter comes in compliance with President Donald Trump's 'Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunity' executive order and is co-signed by 18 attorney state generals, including Miyares.
'Although Costco's motto is 'do the right thing,' it appears that the company is doing the wrong thing—clinging to DEI policies that courts and businesses have rejected as illegal,' the letter reads.
The anti-DEI effort and letter has angered some organizations throughout Virginia. One of these organizations includes The Virginia NAACP.
'By urging Costco to drop its diversity policies, he aligns himself with a movement that undermines the values of equity and inclusion that our Commonwealth stands for.' says Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey, in a release.
The Virginia NAACP claimed that Miyares' MAGA influenced actions will disrupt years of inclusionary progress made in Virginia, a release states.
'Racial equity and remedying systemic racism should be a core value. Instead, the Attorney General is signaling a regression to the deeply entrenched policies of yesterday.' says Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey, in a release.
Additionally, The Virginia NAACP urged the community to get involved.
'Elections have consequences, and it is essential that we elect representatives who will stand against these divisive tactics and fight for the rights of all Virginians. The stakes are too high. We must ensure that our voices are heard and that the values of equity and diversity remain at the forefront of Virginia policies.' says Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey, in a press release.
The Costco board of directors unanimously voted to reject any anti-DEI related proposals. The board said how their 'commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary. The report requested by this proposal would not provide meaningful additional information.'
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