Attorney General Tong Says challenges to DEI Doomed to Fail Amid Reality of Nation's Diversity

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong provided the keynote address at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT's ‘Diversity in Leadership’ Business Luncheon on October 29, 2025, the Hilton Mystic. 

Tong addressed federal policy threats to programs supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the country. He noted that he had just filed the state’s 38th lawsuit against the Trump Administration, this one charging interference with states’ rights regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

While acknowledging challenges presented by federal policymakers, Tong said there is reason to be hopeful, simply based on the generations of diversity around us. After all, he said, Chamber President & CEO Tony Sheridan, an Irish immigrant, had just introduced the first Asian American to be elected to statewide office in Connecticut.

In reinforcing his message of hope, he reminded the audience of continuous gains over the decades for women and minority populations.

“The attack is losing the battle; the attack is on who we are,” he said. “We can’t hide, we can’t capitulate, we can’t bend the knee,” Tong said.

The capacity crowd also heard a panel discussion focused on how diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace evolves from policy to daily interactions. Derrick Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Responsible Gambling Liaison at Mohegan Sun, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Dr. Dale Patricia Merrill, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino; Izaskun “Sassy” Larrañeta, Executive Editor of The Day Publishing Company, and Ashon Avent, adjunct professor of Marketing at Eastern Connecticut State University and founder of Main Avent Group.

This was our 10th Annual Diversity in Leadership program, and we look forward to continuing this popular event.