Democrat Senator Ed Markey Goes Fishing For DEI Interns

Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey searched Tuesday for interns who are non-white, gay or part of another “underrepresented” group.

Markey encouraged those who were “BIPOC, LGBTQ+, working class [or] veterans” to apply for an internship at his office in Boston, Massachusetts, which raised concerns about whether he violated discrimination laws.

“I’m hiring motivated and eager interns for the Spring 2027 semester in my Boston office,” Markey said. “BIPOC, LGBTQ+, working class, veterans, and other underrepresented candidates with Massachusetts ties are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Monday, November 9th.”

The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment on the potential legal problems with Markey appearing to favor certain groups of applicants over others. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon’s office declined to comment.

Markey’s office did not respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.

Markey also called on these specific groups to apply in a July 9, 2025, job listing. Democrats repeatedly advocated for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including under former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The Massachusetts senator faced backlash for his statement, with many accusing him of hiring discrimination and of being racist against white people.

“Are white men allowed to apply, senator?” Republican Texas Rep. Brandon Gill asked on X.

President Donald Trump’s administration rolled back DEI initiatives on the first day of his second administration. He signed an executive order on Jan. 20, 2025, to eliminate DEI programs he deemed “radical” and “wasteful,” as well as “preferencing” in the federal government.