A social media post that many are calling “disrespectful” and “racist” is going viral.
Republican Representative Publicly Insults Press Secretary Online
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”
“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”
“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?
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
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
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
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”
Online, people have spoken out about the “disrespectful,” “racist,” and “nasty” posts 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
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
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
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
“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
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?
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
“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
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”
“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
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.
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