South Carolina’s House of Representatives recently passed a bill that could ban diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the state. The “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunity Act” was approved primarily along party lines, with Republicans praising it as a “Trump-style DEI ban.” The bill prohibits public schools, local governments, and state agencies from implementing or promoting DEI initiatives that could be considered as illegal discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
President Trump’s previous executive orders targeting DEI efforts at the federal level have served as inspiration for this bill. Democrats argue that the bill could harm opportunities for individuals and businesses in the state, as it may discourage talent and investment.
The bill’s fate remains uncertain, as it still needs approval from the Senate and Governor McMaster before becoming law. A similar bill is currently being considered in the South Carolina Senate. Critics fear that if enacted, the bill could have negative consequences for the state’s economy and reputation. The current legislative session is expected to conclude in early May, leaving little time for further debate on the bill.
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