Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Apr. 2 that she has joined a group of 23 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposal from the General Services Administration (GSA) regarding new certification requirements for federal funding recipients. The coalition argues that the proposed changes could require compliance with guidance and an executive order from the Trump administration, which target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The attorneys general say the GSA’s proposal would impose unnecessary burdens on applicants for federal funding and could discourage organizations from conducting lawful DEI activities. The issue is significant because it may affect how states and other entities receive and use federal funds related to public service efforts.
“The Trump administration has tried to attach vague and unlawful conditions to federal funding before, and those efforts have been consistently struck down by courts,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Now, they are trying it again with a sweeping proposal that would impact all federal funding that our state receives. This proposed guidance is just as unlawful as other attempts by the Trump White House and is just as unacceptable.”
According to the official website, Dana Nessel held the role of Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to the official website. The Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations according to the official website. The department also focuses on serving Michigan residents through initiatives in public service and protection according to the official website.
The GSA published its notice on Jan. 27 proposing amendments requiring applicants for federal funds to certify compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination while referencing President Trump’s executive order “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” According to Nessel’s office, this move aims at limiting DEI-related activities among recipients of federal aid.
Nessel joins attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia Washington and Wisconsin in calling for withdrawal of this proposal.
