Greenville Reporter

North Carolina State Representative Gregory F. Murphy expressed his approval for the adoption of "Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence" (MEI) as a replacement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a post on X dated November 29, Murphy said that DEI is "destructive, divisive, and unhelpful."

"So grateful to see Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI) replacing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI," said F. Murphy. "These initiatives reflect a far more constructive mindset for everyone. Time for Colleges and Medical Schools to realize how destructive, divisive and unhelpful DEI is."

According to Forbes, MEI is being introduced in some workplaces as an alternative to traditional DEI practices. This new framework focuses on evaluating candidates based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities without explicit diversity targets. The aim is to build teams through individual merit rather than increasing representation of historically underrepresented groups.

Rep. Greg Murphy's post | X

Murphy has also introduced the Embracing Anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education (EDUCATE) Act. This legislation aims to eliminate DEI mandates in medical education by halting federal funding to institutions enforcing specific beliefs or racial discrimination. It also requires accreditation agencies to prevent DEI-related practices while allowing instruction on race-related health issues and research data collection without promoting discriminatory practices. The bill is co-sponsored by Gus Bilirakis, Ralph Norman, Brad Wenstrup, Beth Van Duyne, Andy Harris, Brian Babin, Diana Harshbarger, among others.

Murphy is currently serving his third term as the representative for North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. He is a member of several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Additionally, he co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. Murphy holds degrees from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine and is noted as the only practicing surgeon in Congress.