S.C. House backs legislation targeting college diversity efforts
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Legislation ed Thursday at the State House takes aim at efforts to promote diversity on South Carolina’s college campuses.
ers say they want to ensure equality and merit guide higher education, but others warn that the proposal could have detrimental effects.
This 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 now in South Carolina.
“We’re trying to ensure the playing field stays level,” said Rep. Tim McGinnis, R-Horry, the bill’s lead sponsor.
Not everyone agrees.
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“DEI is not about giving away handouts or taking away from deserving individuals,” said Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, D-Spartanburg. “It’s about leveling that playing field.”
The bill would ban mandatory diversity training for faculty and staff at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities – and prohibit diversity statements in their issions and employment decisions.
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 bill promotes merit – and protects diversity of thought.
“In fact, it’s making it so that professors and students cannot be punished when they do not want to agree with what everyone else may be forcing and pushing in a classroom,” said Rep. Adam Morgan, R-Greenville.
But a University of South Carolina political science professor Todd Shaw says this is a bill in search of a problem that doesn’t exist on his campus and others.
“We are committed to intellectual and human development of students, no matter their viewpoints,” Shaw said.
And opponents fear the bill could have unintended consequences – including a chilling effect on efforts to recruit and retain professors and to attract a diverse student body.
“Once you let the genie out of the bottle, it’s hard to put the cap back on,” said Rep. Kambrell Garvin, D-Richland.
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 employees and students.
As the bill ultimately ed along party lines in the House, Democrats were critical not only of its language – but how it came to be.
“This legislation was drafted by of this General Assembly and did not include anybody at the table that looked like me,” said Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland. “This legislation here will affect people who look like me.”
This bill now moves to the Senate – where its future is unclear.
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