A social media post that many are calling “disrespectful” and “racist” is going viral.
Republican Representative Publicly Insults Press Secretary Online
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2462383889.jpg)
Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert took to social media to rant about President Biden’s absence during a press conference. In her post, she referenced Karine Jean-Pierre, the current White House Press Secretary, calling the latter a “DEI hire.”
“I Couldn’t Care Less”
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2187507805.jpg)
“I couldn’t care less about what [Jean-Pierre] has to say today,” wrote Boebert. “It’s between 10am-4pm which means ‘President’ Joe Biden supposedly should be coherent enough to take a few questions from the press.”
Boebert Calls Jean-Pierre “Discredited DEI Hire”
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_2215472193-1.jpg)
“Instead, Americans are supposed to listen to the discredited DEI hire. PASS,” Boebert continued, referring to Jean-Pierre. The Press Secretary is a Black, openly gay woman — the first to hold the highly respected position.
What Is DEI?
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2223337383.jpg)
The concept of a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) program in any place of work is designed to encourage a diverse staff, filled with qualified people from many different backgrounds.
Understanding the Purpose of DEI
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_450970201-1.jpg)
These programs do not encourage hiring people without the necessary qualifications for a job, but instead encourage employers to look at a more diverse pool of applicants to find the right fit.
DEI and Its Critics
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_2130227906-1.jpg)
However, the idea of a “DEI hire” has been used in some circles as an insult, under the assumption that people from non-dominant backgrounds are only hired for the diversity they bring to a team.
Comparing Backgrounds
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_671219608.jpg)
Jean-Pierre’s background includes an Ivy League education and years of experience working in politics, including serving under former President Obama. Boebert, who received her GED after dropping out of high school, has received widespread criticism for her comments about the Press Secretary.
Boebert’s Comments Called “Racist”
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1754231510.jpg)
Online, people have spoken out about the “disrespectful,” “racist,” and “nasty” post written by Boebert. Some have suggested that her actions and words should make Boebert ineligible for her current seat in the House of Representatives.
An Appropriated Term
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/shutterstock_2169396703-1.jpg)
Some pundits have begun referring to the phrase in question as a conservative dog whistle after right-wing politicians like Boebert have taken to using the term “DEI hire” to refer to any person in a powerful position who is not white and/or heterosexual.
Boebert’s History With the Phrase
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2370474445.jpg)
Boebert herself has used the term as an insult before, calling Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg a “DEI hire” in a scathing message blaming him for a train derailment.
A Political Tool
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2270526717.jpg)
Former President Donald Trump took measures to end DEI practices while in office. As part of his current campaign strategy for the 2024 election, he has repeatedly referred to DEI efforts as “anti-white.”
Trump’s Thoughts on “Anti-White” Americans
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/shutterstock_519150601.jpg)
“I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that can’t be allowed,” said Trump in a recent interview.
A Problematic Past
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2370474763.jpg)
Boebert has displayed views in the past that are consistent with the rhetoric shared by Trump. During a 2021 event, she claimed that a Capitol Police officer mistook Representative Ilhan Omar, who is Muslim, for a terrorist.
Boebert’s Tall Tale?
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_1605113164.jpg)
Boebert said that she told the officer there should not be a problem because Omar “doesn’t have a backpack,” and that once the two women were alone, she waffled back and forth about whether to make a joke at Omar’s expense.
Muslim Representative Called “Jihad Squad” by Boebert
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2107619402-1.jpg)
“So we only had one floor to go and I say, do I say it or do I not?,” Boebert said at the time, detailing the event to a crowd of people. “And I look over and I say, ‘Look, the jihad squad decided to show up for work today.”
Omar Denies Events
![Ilhan Omar](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2012384414.jpg)
In response, Representative Omar denied that the interaction ever took place, chiding Boebert for making up the entire story.
“She Thinks Bigotry Gets Her Clout”
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2197858977.jpg)
“Fact, this buffoon looks down when she sees me at the Capitol, this whole story is made up. Sad she thinks bigotry gets her clout,” said Omar.
Other Inappropriate Acts
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_534840265.jpg)
This is not the first time Lauren Boebert has made headlines. Earlier this year, Boebert earned national attention after being escorted from a theater for inappropriate behavior.
21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-pixabay-161034-1.jpg)
The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1807039726-1.jpg)
Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
![](https://pulseofpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-ivan-samkov-9643169.jpg)
The U.S. dances to its own beat, especially when it comes to laws that make the rest of the world do a double-take. Here’s a lineup of things that scream “Only in America,” sticking strictly to what’s written in the law books. Ready for a tour through the American legal landscape that’ll leave you wondering if freedom might just be a bit too free? Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin.