Gov. Patrick Morrisey bans DEI, woke policies in West Virginia

By lauraharris // 2025-05-19

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West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed SB 474, eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in state agencies, public schools and universities. Funds previously allocated to DEI must be redirected.
SB 299 prohibits gender reassignment surgeries, puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors, while also banning telehealth prescriptions for gender-altering medications.
Earlier in May, Morrisey signed SB 280, requiring public schools and state-funded colleges to prominently display the national motto alongside a U.S. flag, funded by private donations.
Morrisey framed these laws as victories against "woke" ideology, declaring "DEI is dead in the Mountain State" and emphasizing protection of children and traditional values.
These measures align with Republican-led efforts in states like Alabama, Texas and Florida to restrict DEI initiatives and progressive policies in education and healthcare.

Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey has taken decisive action against left-wing initiatives in West Virginia, signing two bills into law that dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and restrict gender transition procedures for minors. The new laws, Senate Bill 474 and Senate Bill 299, signed on May 7 outside the Summers County Memorial Building, align with conservative efforts nationwide to roll back progressive programs in education and healthcare. SB 474 effectively bans DEI programs across state agencies, public schools and higher education institutions. The law eliminates DEI offices, trainings and initiatives in government and education and requires universities to reallocate unused DEI funds to other purposes. Meanwhile, SB 299 imposes strict limits on gender transition procedures for minors, including prohibiting doctors from performing gender reassignment surgeries on individuals under 18; banning the prescription of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to minors; and restricting telehealth providers from prescribing gender-altering medication to minors. "DEI is dead in the Mountain State. We also closed loopholes to prevent puberty blockers and barbaric gender surgeries from being performed on children. West Virginia will continue to lead with common sense!" Morrisey wrote on X, along with a video clip explaining SB 474 and SB 299. (Related: Kevin McGary on the Health Ranger Report: Why WOKE DEI policies threaten American excellence and unity.) The governor has pledged to "root out DEI and eliminate the woke virus in West Virginia," so he stressed that he has been fulfilling those promises by signing SB 474 and SB 299.

Morrisey: "We value God, family and country"

Aside from signing SB 474 and SB 299, Morrisey, a staunch Catholic and former state attorney general, also signed Senate Bill 280 earlier this May. SB 280 requires all public schools and state-funded higher education institutions to prominently display "In God We Trust" in common areas. The bill, which takes effect in 90 days, mandates that the motto be displayed on durable posters or framed copies at least 8.5 by 11 inches in size, accompanied by a U.S. flag. "Our students will learn that here in West Virginia, we do value God, family and country. Our faith in God has propelled America through 250 years of success and by God, we're not gonna stop now. As governor, one of my top priorities is to improve West Virginia’s educational rankings. To do that, we must focus on academics and remove classroom distractions. The bills I signed today will help ensure a brighter future for students in the Mountain State," Morrisey said at the time. The legislation, sponsored by a group of Republican senators, prohibits the use of public funds for the displays, instead allowing private donations to cover costs. The law also extends to public charter schools, ensuring uniformity across the state's education system. Follow Wokies.news for more news about the woke DEI agenda. Watch Robby Starbuck telling Newsmax that Tractor Supply's decision to end woke policies is "a big win for sanity" in the clip below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Morrisey: "We value God, family and country"

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