South Carolina legislation targets some college diversity efforts
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new push at the South Carolina State House is taking aim at efforts to promote diversity on college campuses.
ers say they want to make sure equality and merit guide higher education, but others warn that the proposal could have detrimental effects.
New legislation targets efforts aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion – or DEI – at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities.
These programs have become a target in recent years in red states – including in South Carolina.
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“I believe DEI, as it exists, doesn’t do what it intends to do,” said Rep. Tim McGinnis, R-Horry, the bill’s lead sponsor. “It does the opposite of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive places.”
To that, Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, says: “DEI is not the boogeyman.”
The bill would ban mandatory diversity training for faculty and staff at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities. It would also prohibit diversity statements in their issions and employment decisions.
Much of the discussion and criticism of DEI efforts focus on race – but proponents of these initiatives say they help a variety of people with unique needs, such as veterans, first-generation students, and LGBTQ-plus staff and students.
Some professors told lawmakers the legislation could have a chilling effect on efforts to attract new talent.
“Wouldn’t you want all university positions, from faculty to staff to s, to reflect a commitment to fairness, to diversity, equity, and inclusivity?” said Susi Long, distinguished professor emerita at the University of South Carolina.
It would also require schools to submit an annual report on their DEI programs – including operating costs and how many people these programs employ, along with any complaints they’ve gotten.
ers claim this is about promoting equality and merit on college campuses.
“We want to make sure that everyone will be treated equally, regardless of their background or beliefs — everyone,” McGinnis said.
But opponents refute the argument that existing DEI efforts give certain groups special treatment.
Instead, they say they ensure these groups don’t continue to face barriers in higher education.
“DEI programs are not a form of discrimination,” said Hamida Labi, NAA Legal Defense and Educational Fund policy counsel. “In fact, they are instituted in many cases to remedy discrimination that have been faced by communities like the ones that many of the people in this room belong to.”
But Rep. April Cromer, R-Anderson, said:
“To exclude a group to include a group is a form of discrimination.”
After advancing out of a subcommittee. the bill now sits in the House Education and Public Works Committee.
It still needs to several more votes to become law.
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