WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Woke” policies may still be thriving in the state of Oregon, but not at U.S. Coast Guard stations up and down the coast where DEI has been cancelled and meritocracy is back.

The latest DEI mandate to tumble is race-based preference for future U.S. Coast Guard officers enrolled in an ROTC-like program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), cancelled May 28. Previously, minority students were given the rank of officer trainee and military E-3 pay, about $2,300 per mo., plus health care, tuition, books, and fees paid annually.

Officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited legal and practical concerns, stating diversity quotas are unconstitutional under the equal protection clause. The change also aligned with a broader federal focus on fairness and individual merit rather than diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI). Decision-makers want the military’s emphasis strictly on mission effectiveness, readiness, and upholding the law.

“By getting rid of these unconstitutional diversity quotas, we are returning the Coast Guard’s focus to military readiness, upholding the law, and making America a safer place,” said DHS General Counsel James Percival in a press release.

The development came just days after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed a U.S. Military Academy commencement, where he referenced “feckless and foolish leaders” instilling identity politics across the armed forces.

“The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy,” Hegseth told graduating cadets on May 23.

There are about 3,000 active-duty, reserve and civilian personnel in the USCG Northwest Dist., which includes Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. About 1,000 of those are based in stations along the Oregon coast, including Depoe Bay and Newport. With regional assets including 21 cutters, 132 boats and 11 aircraft, there is a pressing need for talented officers.