More States Focus On Anti-DEI Legislation

More states have pivoted toward anti-DEI initiatives, sparking concern among progressive groups.

According to a new analysis report from NBC News, conservative efforts to limit or dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion measures across the country have amplified.

On March 1, the University of Florida announced that it had cut all DEI positions in accordance with the state Board of Governors regulation 9.016.

“The University of Florida is – and will always be – unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity,” it read. “As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation. The University of Florida is an elite institution because of our incredible faculty, committed to teaching, discovering, and serving.”

The university is only one of several institutions in the nation that the recent wave of anti-DEI legislation has impacted.

NBC News reported that A1 states have proposed legislation challenging DEI initiatives, and three have successfully enacted such bills – Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, schools and companies nationwide implemented policies in a bid to become more inclusive. However, these attempts have been met with outcry from right-leaning groups, who allege racial discrimination.

President of Students for Fair Admissions, Edward Blum, has spearheaded several lawsuits against numerous universities and companies. He spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about his motivation.

“I have spearheaded lawsuits challenging racial classification and preferences in college admissions,” said Blum. He stated that the majority of Americans do not favor using race and ethnicity as a factor in college admission.

“Students should be judged on many factors but not their race or ethnicity,” he continued.

As progressives have grown increasingly concerned regarding the anti-DEI movement, several organizations, such as the National Urban League and the Congressional Black Caucus, have sought to preserve diversity and inclusion in schools and companies in response, forming an unofficial coalition.

“We don’t need to persuade most businesspeople on diversity,” Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, told NBC News. “We just have to encourage them to be courageous and not be intimidated by politicians, mainly a bunch of politicians, billionaires and right-wing actors.”