Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) highlighted what has been called a long-overdue step by Goldman Sachs, reacting to the Wall Street giant’s decision to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria from its board selection process. “So glad that Goldman Sachs has decided to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Only took 62 years,” Lee tweeted Monday, responding to a report in the Wall Street Journal outlining the change.
So glad that Goldman Sachs has decided to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 17, 2026
Only took 62 years https://t.co/vMtKNnaVkI
The WSJ reported that Goldman Sachs will no longer consider race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other DEI factors when identifying potential board members. Previously, the firm’s governance committee included a broad “other demographics” category in its candidate evaluation, encompassing these factors alongside professional experience and viewpoints. The change follows a proposal from the conservative nonprofit National Legal and Policy Center, which argued that factoring in diversity risks discrimination. An agreement between Goldman and the NLPC ensures the proposal will be withdrawn in exchange for the policy update.
The move reflects a wider shift in corporate DEI programs, particularly in the financial sector, after federal scrutiny increased following President Trump’s executive order last year directing agencies to investigate DEI practices at companies. Goldman also recently retooled its “One Million Black Women” initiative, removing references to race while maintaining its investment in Black business leaders and nonprofits.
Responses on online echoed Lee’s surprise at the delay. One user noted, “Finally, progress we should all acknowledge. Better late than never.”
True
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 17, 2026
Another added, “Wild how doing what the law already required since 1964 is being treated like a new policy. Took a few decades, but… welcome, I guess.”
No accountability..
— AmeriClips (@americlips) February 17, 2026
Lee’s reaction frames the change as a correction of decades-long corporate practices, underscoring his view that compliance with longstanding civil rights law should not be considered newsworthy or extraordinary.
