South Carolina’s House passes anti-DEI bill in 82-32 vote

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina lawmakers passed H.3927 Wednesday, which restricts or bans Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at local agencies.

H.3927, also known as the Anti-DEI Bill, seeks to restrict or eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion in state agencies, local governments, schools, public health care systems, and any agency restricting its practices.

The South Carolina Senate has urged lawmakers to consider this bill and their version, S.368, to make sure the state will have access to the resources and have more opportunities to thrive.

Representative JA Moore (D-Berkeley) quoted his father before the anti-DEI bill decision.

“My father, in this moment, when he was writing in his old, tattered ledger, he wrote these four simple words,” Moore said. “I am not nervous.”

President of the South Carolina Education Association Sherry East said this bill will bring confusion and division between people.

“This legislation is a concerning intrusion of divisive national politics into the living rooms, meeting rooms, and classrooms of South Carolinians,” she said. “Moreover, it reflects a troubling and ongoing confusion and misrepresentation regarding the distinction between DEI initiatives and discrimination. The tapestry of our state is woven from the vibrant threads of people of many backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Such unites us; it shouldn’t be made to divide us.”

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