North Carolina, Florida Bills Target DEI Policies in Local Governments

Legislative efforts in both North Carolina and Florida are targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in state and local governments. In North Carolina, House Bill 171 aims to eliminate DEI programs, with supporters arguing it promotes merit-based hiring, while opponents express concerns about its vagueness and potential negative impacts on diversity. In Florida, two bills—SB 420 and SB 1710—are advancing, with the former prohibiting local governments from adopting DEI policies and the latter restricting DEI initiatives in state agencies. Proponents of these bills argue that DEI often leads to discrimination, while critics, including several Democratic senators, claim they are authoritarian and distract from more pressing issues. Both states' initiatives have sparked significant debate, reflecting a broader national conversation on DEI practices. The outcome of these bills remains uncertain as they move through the legislative process.