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Contributed commentary by state Rep. Aron Maberry on Republicans ending DEI in Tennessee:

The U.S. Supreme Court in June unanimously ruled in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services that no American should be held to a higher standard when filing discrimination suits because of their race, sex or other protected characteristic.

The case stems from Marlean Ames, an Ohio state government employee who says she was denied a promotion and subsequently demoted in favor of less-qualified gay candidates at the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Ames later filed a discrimination suit, which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit dismissed, claiming she had to show “background circumstances” because she was straight.

The high court decided there should be no distinction between majority and minority groups, helping ensure all Americans are treated fairly in the workplace.

In a news story covering the opinion, the head of one of the largest human resources organizations in the United States made a shocking revelation regarding how some workplace complaints are handled. Employers “don’t take as seriously a white guy who comes in and says, ‘I was discriminated against in the workplace,” CEO Johnny C. Taylor of the Society for Human Resource Management, which brands itself as a leader in setting professional standards and advancing HR practices, told USA Today.

This type of sentiment is irresponsible and dangerous. It’s also a clear example of how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have divided our country and led to harmful policies like allowing men into women’s sports.

For years, the left and many in the mainstream media have insisted that DEI advanced the cause of equal protection and opportunity for all. Taylor’s comments and the national sentiment demonstrate that these policies have failed. One study even suggests that DEI efforts “heighten racial suspicion” and “prejudicial attitudes,” precisely the opposite of what the American people were sold.

A recent survey found 66% of Americans oppose race- and sexuality-based hiring decisions. In Tennessee, that number is even higher at 72%, including 64% of Democrats.

Despite the opposition, Democrats capitalized on DEI by turning it into a big business. Leftists have taken advantage of Americans by selling books claiming white people are inherently racist, promoting false history and implementing programs that push division. Companies in the United States spend roughly $8 billion annually to push DEI in the workplace. For public colleges and universities, taxpayers are forced to cough up nearly $2 billion to subsidize DEI mandates.

The federal government led the charge in promoting these discriminatory initiatives during President Joe Biden’s failed administration. As Americans struggled under the former president’s economic policies, the U.S. Department of Energy sponsored a “Lesbians Who Tech” conference, the U.S. Department of State allowed Americans to select “X” as a gender on passports and U.S. Military Academy at West Point cadets were taught critical race theory, including lessons on “whiteness.”

I’m proud to be a part of a Republican supermajority in Tennessee that is pushing back against this type of wokeness. Thanks to the support of people across the state, we made significant progress this session to advance the merit-based policies that have allowed Tennessee to thrive.

Two new laws I passed have positioned Tennessee as a national leader in promoting equal opportunity and fairness. The Dismantle DEI in Employment Act prohibits governments and public institutions of higher education from hiring based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability status. Additionally, the Dismantling DEI Departments Act eliminates DEI departments in state and local governments and public colleges, providing a meaningful step toward a more united and merit-based future.

Not a single Democrat lawmaker in the Tennessee General Assembly voted in favor of these common-sense bills, despite a majority of Tennesseans in both parties being opposed to race-based selection.

The tide has turned against discriminatory practices in hiring, admissions and sports. I encourage Americans to join Republicans as we lead the fight for true equality to ensure that all residents can succeed.

Rep. Aron Maberry