Local NAACP leaders advocate for DEI programs after executive order

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - On Wednesday, President Donald Trump's executive order placing all federal employees involved in DEI initiatives on paid leave went into effect.

Leaders of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP are speaking out about the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Illinois and throughout the country.

"It's not about giving people opportunities that do not deserve it. That is a misnomer," said Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson, the 1st Vice President of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP. "I think people have a misrepresentation of what diversity and inclusion is all about. It's about providing everyone with opportunities and making sure everyone is equally represented."

President of the chapter, Linda Foster, added, "I think that all the way around, we benefit from having diverse opportunities for everybody."

While President Trump's order doesn't change anything directly for Foster or Dr. Campbell-Jackson, they say the work they're doing has to continue.

"I'm an adamant believer that an organization's workforce should reflect the people that they serve," said Dr. Campbell-Jackson. "I think that's critically important."

Foster added, "It also allows us to be the best that we can be as an organization. And they don't all look like us. It is the model the NAACP has that allows other to see there just can't be one side, one way."

President Trump's order also asks federal agencies to provide a written plan for terminating those employees working on DEI initiatives by the end of January.