Mississippi, North Carolina Advance DEI Restrictions Across Public Colleges

Mississippi has enacted legislation banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities, citing concerns from educators and civil rights advocates about the potential impacts on racial equity. The Republican-led House passed House Bill 1193 with no Democratic support, as opponents argue it will strip essential resources for Black and LGBTQ+ students. Similarly, the North Carolina Senate has passed Senate Bill 558, which expands restrictions on DEI efforts in higher education, defining various 'divisive concepts' that campuses are prohibited from endorsing. Critics warn that such measures could unintentionally affect beneficial programs, while proponents claim they refocus education on core objectives. Both states' legislative actions reflect a broader trend among Republican-led states targeting DEI initiatives, with North Carolina also considering a ban on DEI in state and local governments. These developments raise significant concerns about the future of support for marginalized student groups in educational settings.