Martina Navratilova reacts to Gabby Thomas being questioned about her Harvard education amid anti-DEI sentiment

Martina Navratilova has reacted to American track and field athlete Gabby Thomas being questioned about her Harvard qualification amid growing anti-DEI sentiment in the country. Thomas, who won three golds at the Paris Olympics, studied neurobiology at the institution.

The DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusions) programs are currently facing huge dissent from the federal government and a section of the public. Hours after assuming office, President Donald Trump vowed to ban schemes such as equity initiatives and DEI reviews in hiring candidates for government positions.

Trump's order has divided Americans, with a section of them questioning whether people of color had deservedly earned their positions or gained an unfair advantage through the DEI programs. Thomas was the latest to come under scrutiny on this matter.

"Today, on Jan 26, 2025, there are hundreds of people commenting on my Twitter page that specifically because I am black, they must assume I did not earn my admission into Harvard nor did I earn my diploma. Is this real life??," Gabby Thomas wrote on X.

Alarmed by this development, Navratilova sarcastically remarked that "apparently every person of colour" was judged under the diversity initiatives regardless of their personal qualifications.

"Apparently every person of color is a DEI hire, regardless of their CV…," Navratilova's post read.

The Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has been adamant about reforming DEI programs. Corporate leaders including Bill Ackman and conservative acitivist Robby Starback have also voiced their concerns.

The recent wildfire in Los Angeles was another instance where the programs were subjected to criticism. LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley was alleged to have focused on recruiting a diverse force in the department in a situation of emergency.

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Martina Navratilova calls Donald Trump 'racist' in spite of his contrary public statements

Martina Navratilova at the 2024 French Open (Source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova slammed US President Donald Trump for his 'racist' actions which, according to the 18-time Grand Slam champion, are in stark contrast his words.

Atlanta attorney Gerald A. Griggs recently took to social media to expound on the Trump-led government's order to prevent its civil rights division from initiating new cases.

"The directive, addressed to Kathleen Wolfe, the Trump-appointed supervisor of the division, orders a halt to filing new complaints, motions, amicus briefs, and similar actions," Griggs wrote on X.

Reacting to this post with a hint of sarcasm, Navratilova wrote:

"But no, Trump is not racist at all...look at what he does, not what he says."

Martina Navratilova has been vocal about her dissent against Donald Trump and the Republican-led government. She recently condemned the President for granting clemency to controversial Capitol attack defendants.