- A proposal to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education and other public institutions has passed the Alabama Senate.
- The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot, says the bill’s purpose is to “remove the wedge.”
- Republicans claim that DEI is a pretext for leftist ideology.
The Alabama Legislature aims to prohibit universities, schools, and public organizations from maintaining offices of diversity and inclusion or funding initiatives that teach what Republicans called “confrontational concepts.” We are moving forward with the bill.
The multifaceted proposal is one of dozens of bills introduced by Republican lawmakers across the country that would limit diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, also known as DEI.
Republican opponents say the DEI program is discriminatory and promotes left-wing ideology. Democrats say the program is needed to ensure institutions can meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.
Indiana lawmaker pushes public university tenure reform bill
Alabama senators approved the bill Thursday in a 26-7 vote that broke along party lines. The approval came after six hours of discussion and attempts (some successful, some unsuccessful) to revise the proposal. It is now moving to the Alabama House of Representatives.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Sen. Will Barfoot, said the bill aims to “remove the wedge.”
It states, “An individual must accept, acknowledge, affirm, or consent to guilt, complicity, or the need for an apology based on his or her race, color, religion, or gender.” ” and a list of divisive concepts. Ethnicity or nationality. ”
The Alabama State Capitol Building in Montgomery, Alabama on March 22, 2020. (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
The proposed bill would allow schools to fund initiatives that teach these concepts or require students or employees to “support or consent to divisive concepts or require students to do so as part of a required curriculum.” They said they cannot require students to participate in “training, orientation, or coursework that they do or require as part of a required curriculum.” Professional training. “
“This bill is an attempt to remove divisive language from our schools and classrooms in order to teach history accurately and equitably so that it is recognizable to everyone, regardless of skin color, gender (or national origin).” Mr. Barfoot said.
Senate Democrats and others argued the bill would hurt the state’s efforts to attract business.
On the stage Thursday, Sen. Roger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said the proposal would ultimately be a “litmus test” for the state’s higher education institutions, al.com reports.
He argued that those who want to pursue diversity will find a way to do so within the law, while others will have more reasons not to.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton said Republicans were pushing the bill as an “agenda” and would send a message that Alabama doesn’t welcome diversity.
“I can see the doctors who are employed at UAB…I don’t want to go to your state because you don’t want diversity and inclusion,” Singleton said.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin released a lengthy statement on social media this week criticizing the bill.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“To the State of Alabama: Why make it illegal for institutions of higher education to promote diversity and inclusion among their faculty? Why prevent fair representation and opportunity for all?” he said. . “If supporting inclusion becomes illegal in this state, the worst you can do is stand in front of your school door like Governor Wallace. Well, it’s Black History Month. At least until March 1st, everyone. I should have waited.”
