CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Lawmakers in both Raleigh and Columbia, South Carolina, say they want to eliminate programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bills looking to do away with DEI initiatives at state agencies have been filed at legislatures in North and South Carolina.
South Carolina Republicans introduced H3927 earlier this month. The bill, authored by State Rep. Doug Gilliam, looks to end any sort of DEI programs at state agencies and universities. However, the bill does specify does not apply to efforts that support first-generation college students, low-income, or students from underserved communities.
“We hear tell of agencies that have formed a DEI program or a DEI office and that’s their sole purpose, to make sure that kind of stuff is done, taken care of, that kind of stuff’s gotta stop in South Carolina,” said Majority Leader David Hiott.
North Carolina’s HB 171 eliminates DEI initiatives in state and local government in the Tar Heel State. Those caught using state funds or resources for those programs could be charged with a misdemeanor or be sued civilly.
Bill author and State Rep. Brenden Jones issued a statement on the bill, telling Queen City News he filed it because “every taxpayer deserves to know their dollars are funding a government that operates on fairness and equal opportunity, not one that pushes ideological mandates at the expense of efficiency.”
While both bills have a good chance of passing Republican-controlled legislatures, North Carolina’s will need enough votes to survive a possible veto from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
H 3927 and HB 171 have been filed, but no votes have been cast.
