Congressman Cohen Deplores Impact of Trump Executive Order Jeopardizing Diversity Training

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today expressed his deep concern about a Trump administration executive order in light of the University of Memphis' decision to suspend certain employee sensitivity training that could jeopardize federal funding. The September 22 Executive Oder 13950 purports to prohibit training that "promotes race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating."

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I am disappointed that the President's misguided executive order has forced the University of Memphis to take this action. While I understand its concern that certain training could be interpreted to run afoul of the order, and thus jeopardize critical federal funding, the policy enshrined in the order is unwarranted, ill-advised and should be reversed. All public institutions should do all they can to advance tolerance and inclusivity, including through employee training. Trump's cheap politicization of the issue is a not-so-subtle promotion of bigotry, and should be condemned. As an attack on the First Amendment, it is also a form of censorship."