Lawmakers in North Carolina and South Carolina are looking to eliminate programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at state agencies with bills H3927 and HB 171. South Carolina’s bill, introduced by State Rep. Doug Gilliam, aims to end DEI programs at state agencies and universities, with exceptions for certain student groups. Majority Leader David Hiott believes that agencies solely focused on DEI programs need to stop in South Carolina. North Carolina’s bill, authored by State Rep. Brenden Jones, seeks to eliminate DEI initiatives in state and local governments, with penalties for misusing state funds for such programs.
Jones stated that taxpayer dollars should fund a government that operates on fairness and equal opportunity, rather than pushing ideological mandates. While both bills are likely to pass in Republican-controlled legislatures, North Carolina’s bill may face resistance from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein if it passes. As of now, both bills have been filed but no votes have been cast. This move has sparked a debate over the importance of DEI initiatives in government agencies and universities, with supporters arguing for the benefits of promoting diversity and equality, while opponents believe that such programs are unnecessary and may be ideologically driven. It remains to be seen how this issue will unfold in both states’ legislatures in the coming weeks.
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