Overview

• 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.