The NFL is standing by diversity, equity and inclusion even while President Trump moves to undo the initiatives.
Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters Monday in New Orleans ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl that the league will maintain its programs while federal agencies — and several private companies — disband their DEI moves.
“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts,” Goodell said. “So, we’re not in this because it’s a trend to get in or a trend to get out of it.”
Trump signed an executive order last month that terminated any “diversity referencing” within federal agencies or contracts.
NFL partners like Lowe’s and Amazon followed the president’s lead, scaling back previous initiatives designed to increase diversity in the workplace.
The country’s top sports league has no such plans.
Goodell noted that the NFL’s policies are not based on affirmative action and comply with federal laws.
“There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL,” he said. “We also believe we are doing the right thing for the NFL, and our policies are consistent with the current administration as well as the last administration.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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