The Mississippi Senate approved a bill on Thursday aimed at abolishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the state’s universities, a move that aligns with initiatives championed by former President Donald Trump.
The Senate Republicans voted along party lines, passing the bill with a 34-14 ratio. This decision follows a similar measure that the House advanced the previous day, indicating preparations for discussions between the two legislative bodies. The differing proposals from the Senate and House impact various stakeholders and regulate distinct activities while intending to fundamentally alter the educational landscape in the state.
According to the Senate bill, DEI is defined as any action that seeks to modify the diversity of faculty or student populations based on factors such as “race, sex, color, or ethnicity,” unless it conforms to a non-discriminatory policy as dictated by state and federal regulations.
The legislation would prohibit all campus initiatives and training that are classified under this definition. Supporters of the bill, including its primary sponsors Tyler McCaughn from Newton and Nicole Boyd from Oxford, contend that the law will eliminate inefficiencies in Mississippi’s higher education framework and revert hiring and admissions processes to a merit-centric system.
“Abolishing DEI policies does not equate to a lack of diversity,” McCaughn stated. “What it represents is a shift in focus… We are redirecting our efforts toward excellence.”
Aside from prohibiting DEI efforts, Senate Bill 2515, known as the “Requiring Efficiency For Our Colleges And Universities System,” or REFOCUS Act, will establish a task force dedicated to identifying inefficiencies within Mississippi’s higher education system. This task force will explore issues including the state’s comparatively lower postsecondary degree attainment rates and the declining college enrollment among high school graduates.
Democratic senators emphasized the importance of DEI initiatives, suggesting they were established to address a long history of discrimination faced by minorities and women. Senator Rod Hickman added, “When we speak about diversity, equity, and inclusion, it isn’t about elevating unqualified individuals at the expense of others. It’s about creating open avenues for those who have historically been marginalized.”
The legislation would have ramifications for all community colleges and public universities in Mississippi, while the House version extends these restrictions to K-12 institutions as well. The House’s measure also restricts universities from offering specific courses, differing from the Senate’s bill, which allows exceptions for academic research or creative projects.
Moreover, the House’s proposal requires public schools to promote the idea that there are only two genders, a clause not present in the Senate bill. The two proposals also vary in enforcement methods; the Senate bill calls for universities to implement an internal process for addressing complaints, whereas the House bill threatens state funding based on allegations that can be made by anyone, empowering individuals to sue schools for non-compliance.
Critics of DEI programs mainly include conservatives who argue that such initiatives promote divisiveness by categorizing individuals as either victims or oppressors and fostering leftist agendas. However, progressive advocates counter that DEI is necessary for protecting women and minorities from discrimination and catering to the needs of a diverse student population.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to eradicate DEI from federal operations, having already enacted an executive order to initiate those changes. Although Mississippi lawmakers brought forth bills to regulate DEI in the 2024 session, these proposals did not progress beyond the committee stage.
Now, both the Senate and House have the opportunity to consider each other’s proposals as they collaborate towards a final legislative agreement.
