Bill could bar DEI practices in South Carolina schools, colleges

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A recent report warned legislation targeting diversity practices in South Carolina – could’ve cost the state millions of dollars in extra expenses – and caused it to lose out on billions in grants and funding.

So Republicans are now taking a big step back and scaling down their bill.

Democrats still say GOP attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, are bad news.

Nearly two-thirds of in the House of Representatives have signed onto the bill as co-sponsors – all of whom are Republicans.

Until Wednesday afternoon – the bill would’ve prohibited state agencies, public colleges, and school districts from promoting DEI practices, as well as ban the state from contracting with *any outside group that promotes DEI practices.

“As the bill stood, as we had it originally, I think it opened us up to a big fiscal impact that — we definitely don’t want to have a big fiscal impact on the state with this. I think it also could’ve taken us into some possible legal jeopardy with the bill down the road,” said Rep. Tim McGinnis, R-Horry.

So lawmakers reworked the bill – stripping it of much of its previous language – including the ban on the state contracting with outside groups that promote DEI.

MORE FROM NEWS 12

South Carolina: Latest from the State House

1. McMaster names new chief of S.C. Department of Social Services
2. How will South Carolina curb spike in student absenteeism?
3. S.C. tort reform negotiations on pause for now
4. S.C. bill aims to prohibit SNAP from buying candy and soft drinks
5. S.C. could expand law on homicide by child abuse
6. Bill would exempt tips from income taxes in South Carolina

As it stands now – this bill would prohibit state agencies, local governments, school districts, and public colleges from creating or promoting DEI offices … and ban them from requiring mandatory diversity statements.

It would also outlaw preferential treatment in employment and hiring … and prohibit them from requiring employees participate in diversity training.

These provisions would not apply to private companies.

Republicans argue this promotes merit in employment and higher education.

“I think the person who is most qualified for the job or most qualified for the ission or most qualified regardless of what their background is, is the person who deserves the slot,” McGinnis said.

But Democrats believe the legislation is, at best, unnecessary.

“Are we doing this because it is a problem in this state, or are we doing this because there is a political narrative from a certain party coming from D.C., trickling down to South Carolina, at almost election time?” said Rep. Hamilton Grant, D-Richland.

And at worst – harmful.

“I’m afraid we’re just taking this thing too far, and it’s going to come to haunt us in some form or fashion,” said Rep. Terry Alexander, D-Florence.

On Wednesday – the House Education and Public Works Committee voted along party lines to advance the bill to the House floor – where it’ll await a debate.

At this point, the bill is still a few steps away from reaching the governor.

If it becomes law, it would take effect July 1.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.