Overview

• Sen. Jon Tester has urged the Biden administration to reverse its decision to cut federal funding to Montana universities over unmet diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards.
• The funding was withdrawn after Montana universities allegedly failed to provide sufficient details about their hiring practices for diverse groups.
• Tester's criticism comes as he faces a challenging reelection campaign in Montana, a state with strong Republican leanings.
• Republican challenger Tim Sheehy has attacked Tester for his alleged support of DEI and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
• Tester's stance marks a departure from his party's general support for DEI policies, highlighting his attempt to appeal to centrist voters.