‘Silencing History’: Black Rep. Lateefah Simon Condemns GOP Lawmaker for Misusing MLK's Legacy to Support DEI Cuts

On June 25, Rep. Lateefah Simon from California made a powerful statement during a congressional hearing focused on discrediting and dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her fierce response was particularly aimed at Virginia Rep. John McGuire, who misquoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to bolster the White House's anti-DEI agenda. Furious, Simon implored committee members, "keep Dr. King’s name out of your mouth!" The hearing, titled “Sacrificing Excellence for Ideology: The Real Cost of DEI,” featured a range of testimonies, including McGuire’s controversial assertion that DEI equated to “didn’t earn it.” In her four-and-a-half-minute address, Simon criticized attendees for their superficial understanding of King’s message and beautifully highlighted the historical struggles people of color faced to secure their rights. The clip of her impassioned speech has sparked both admiration and criticism across social media platforms. As she rises in prominence, reactions vary widely.