Central Wisconsin News

Today in Washington, D.C., Congressman Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin's 7th District introduced the Fairness, Anti-Discrimination and Individual Rights Act, known as the FAIR Act. He was joined by several other representatives including Burgess Owens from Utah, Claudia Tenney from New York, Harriet Hageman from Wyoming, Andy Ogles from Tennessee, Mary Miller from Illinois, Glenn Grothman from Wisconsin, Randy Weber from Texas, and Barry Moore from Alabama.

The proposed legislation aims to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. It seeks to prohibit any federal agency or recipient of federal funds—including contractors and universities—from discriminating against or giving preference based on race, color, or national origin.

Congressman Tiffany emphasized the act’s focus on merit over race-based preferences. "If we want to put an end to discrimination in the United States," he stated, "the first step is for the government to end its own discriminatory practices."

Congressman Owens expressed his support by recalling his experiences with racism during his childhood in the Jim Crow South. He criticized what he views as race-based divisions promoted by the Biden administration and stressed that success should be based on merit rather than skin color.

The FAIR Act would specifically bar any form of racial discrimination or preferential treatment connected with federal contracting or financial assistance. This includes prohibiting state entities receiving federal funds from such practices in contracts or educational admissions.

Further details about the FAIR Act can be accessed through its full text.