COLUMBIA, S.C. – Bill takes aim at diversity initiatives on SC college campuses
A new push at the State House targets efforts to promote diversity on South Carolina’s college campuses. Supporters of H.4289 said they want to ensure merit guides higher education, but some students and staff fear their proposal could have detrimental impacts.
The Bill’s Aim
The bill focuses on initiatives and programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, also known as 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.
Supporters and Critics
“I want diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I believe DEI, as it exists, doesn’t do what it intends to do. It does the opposite of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive places,” Rep. Tim McGinnis (R-Horry) and the bill’s lead sponsor, said. Much of the discussion and criticism of DEI efforts nationwide focus on race, but proponents of these initiatives said they help a variety of people with unique needs on campuses, including, but not limited to, veterans, first-generation students, and LGBTQ-plus staff and students.
Some lawmakers said while they understand the general intention of this bill, the effort is misguided. “DEI is not the boogeyman,” Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D-Richland) said. “DEI helps us to understand where others are coming from, others’ experiences.”
Potential Impact
This bill would ban mandatory diversity training for faculty and staff at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities and prohibit diversity statements in their admissions and employment decisions. Some professors told lawmakers during a recent subcommittee hearing that enacting this could have a chilling effect on efforts to attract new talent.
Annual Reporting
The bill 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 have received. Supporters claim this is aimed at promoting equality and merit on college campuses.
Rebuttal
However, opponents refuted the argument that existing DEI efforts give certain groups special treatment. Instead, they said they ensure these groups do not continue to face barriers in higher education.
Next Steps
After advancing out of a subcommittee, this bill now sits in the House Education and Public Works Committee. It still needs to pass several more votes to become law.
