Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips Removes DEI Reference from Campaign Site Amid Donor Criticism

Phillips defends the change, stating it was not due to pressure from major donor Bill Ackman, while fellow Democrats criticize the move as a concession to a donor.

Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips removed a reference to promoting “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) on his campaign website, replacing it with “Equity & Restorative Justice.”
The change came after one of Phillips' top financial backers, billionaire investor Bill Ackman, publicly criticized the use of DEI language.
Ackman, who recently pledged to donate $1 million to Phillips’ campaign, has been an outspoken critic of DEI initiatives.
Phillips defended the decision, stating that the change was not due to pressure from Ackman and that the policy substance of his campaign remains unchanged.
Phillips' decision has drawn criticism from fellow Democrats, who view the move as a concession to a major donor.