Multiple States Advance Bills Banning DEI Initiatives

Multiple states are moving to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, reflecting a wider national trend among Republican lawmakers. In North Carolina, House Bill 171, which aims to prohibit DEI initiatives in state and local government, has had its vote postponed, allowing the bill's sponsor to address concerns over its impact on diversity and hiring practices. Meanwhile, West Virginia's Senate Bill 474 has advanced through the House Judiciary Committee, aiming to eliminate DEI policies in government and educational institutions. Oklahoma's Senate Bill 796 has similarly progressed, mandating that state colleges cannot utilize funds for DEI programs and prohibiting DEI-related training for job applicants. In New Hampshire, a budget amendment seeks to bar DEI initiatives at the state and local levels, emphasizing equal treatment under the law. Critics argue these measures undermine efforts to ensure equal opportunities for marginalized groups, while supporters contend they promote merit-based practices.