The Kansas House of Representatives voted 81-39 in favor of passing the bill on Thursday, with five lawmakers not present for the vote. This bill aims to prohibit the state’s universities, community colleges, and technical colleges from taking diversity, equity, or inclusion into account when making decisions regarding admissions, student aid, and hiring.
The bill would also prevent postsecondary educational institutions from making admissions, educational aid, or employment decisions based on a candidate’s statement about their “political ideology or movement.” Additionally, universities would be prohibited from requesting or requiring such statements.
The Kansas Senate recently approved a proposed $25 billion state budget that includes a provision to remove DEI requirements and mandatory DEI training from universities. According to The Associated Press, the state’s six universities will be required to report their elimination of these requirements in order to receive certain funding.
According to The AP, negotiators will discuss the provision during the final budget draft processes.
State Representative Steven Howe, a Republican lawmaker, expressed his concerns about universities adopting ideologies that discriminate against individuals who do not conform to their beliefs. He made these remarks during a House proceeding on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for a merit-based approach rather than embracing loyalty oaths or litmus tests based on a particular viewpoint or ideology. Howe’s proposed legislation aims to prevent such discriminatory practices.
According to Howe, the legislation is “constitutionally sound” and aims to protect the rights of students and faculty members.
According to the bill text, the proposed legislation would empower the state attorney general to impose fines of up to $10,000 on schools that fail to comply with the rules.
According to the AP, there is a lack of clarity in the measure regarding the definition of DEI, as argued by some Kansas lawmakers. In response to this, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R) rebutted by stating that the bill would establish a simple test to avoid any confusion in defining DEI. This test would involve determining if a university mandates candidates to make ideological statements.
Republican leaders in nearly 20 states have been trying to limit DEI initiatives in schools. A recent example comes from Alabama, where the state’s Republican-led Legislature has passed a measure to prohibit state funding for DEI programs at public universities, local boards of education, and government agencies.
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, as of July 2023, legislation surrounding DEI efforts at universities has been introduced in at least 22 states.
Texas and Florida colleges have begun eliminating DEI positions, while Florida state colleges are forbidden from utilizing state or federal funds to support DEI programs.
