A conservative quest to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is gaining momentum in state capitals and college governing boards, with officials in about one-third of the states now taking some sort of action against it.
Tennessee recently signed legislation that would prohibit banks and other financial institutions from considering a customer's participation in “diversity, equity, and inclusion training” or “social justice programming.” Kansas passed a law that will prohibit statements about diversity, equity, or inclusion from being used in decisions about student admissions, financial aid, or employment at higher education institutions. Iowa's Legislature approved a budget bill that would ban all DEI offices and initiatives in higher education that aren't necessary to comply with accreditation or federal law.
Republican lawmakers in about two dozen states have filed bills seeking to restrict DEI initiatives this year, while Democrats have sponsored supportive DEI measures in about 20 states. Lawmakers have proposed about 150 bills this year that would either restrict or promote DEI efforts.
Conservative groups have raised concerns that DEI initiatives are promoting an agenda that elevates racial or gender identity over individual merit. Several organizations have offered model measures to state lawmakers to eliminate DEI offices or prohibit the use of DEI criteria in various decisions. The ultimate goal, according to some proponents, is to “abolish DEI in all American institutions.”
Republican-led states like Florida, Texas, Alabama, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming have passed laws restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education and other sectors. Some universities have revised their practices regarding DEI in response to political pressure, such as shifting diversity positions to focus on “student success” and eliminating diversity statements on student applications.
On the other hand, Democratic-led states like Washington and Maryland have enacted legislation to expand their emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in government and education. These states are incorporating DEI concepts into learning standards for public schools and requiring the employment of directors of diversity, equity, and inclusion in certain institutions.
Despite the pushback against DEI initiatives in some states, there are ongoing efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in others, reflecting a broader national debate on the role of these initiatives in various sectors.
