COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) – Last week, the South Carolina House remained in session until late Wednesday evening to approve D-E-I- legislation similar to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order issued in Washington.
A measure jointly proposed by numerous House Republicans was approved with an 82 to 32 vote following eight hours of discussion.
President Trump pledged to terminate discriminatory DEI initiatives within the federal government—and he followed through. Similarly, the South Carolina House Republican Caucus is taking action at the state level," stated House Majority Leader Davey Hiott. "We are honored to be the first state in the U.S. to convert President Trump’s executive order into legislation, thereby reinstating merit-based opportunities and safeguarding the civil rights of every South Carolinian.
This law seeks to prevent public institutions such as state agencies, universities, elementary and secondary schools, and municipal administrations from adopting or endorsing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that might result in unlawful bias related to race, gender, hue, creed, or ethnicity. It strengthens the state’s civil rights safeguards and prohibits the application of DEI guidelines, targeted recruitment practices, and ideologically driven criteria within publicly supported areas.
Contractors, grant recipients, and those receiving public funds must verify that they do not engage in unlawful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. It also directs state public colleges and universities to seek out different accreditation bodies should their current ones impose illegal DEI requirements. Additionally, it sets up monitoring via the State Inspector General and Attorney General to ensure adherence to these rules.
The legislation aims to prohibit the expenditure of public funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion departments, initiatives, education, or agreements that contravene civil rights statutes.
This week’s episode of Connect to the Capitol Extra features an interview with seasoned political commentator Antjuan Seawright and Representative Jermaine Johnson. Johnson strongly opposed the initiative and fervently urged his colleagues on the House floor to reject the proposal during their session.