MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers have advanced legislation aimed at banning universities, schools and public institutions from maintaining diversity and inclusion offices or funding initiatives that teach what Republicans labeled “divisive concepts.”
The multifaceted proposal is one of dozens of bills introduced by Republican lawmakers across the country that would limit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, also known as DEI.
Republican opponents say DEI programs are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. Democratic supporters say the programs are needed to ensure institutions meet the needs of increasingly diverse student populations.
Alabama state senators approved the bill Thursday on a 26-7 vote, which failed along party lines. The approval came after six hours of debate and attempts – some successful, some not – to change the proposal. It now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives.
Republican Senator Will Barfoot, the bill’s sponsor, said the bill aims to “remove wedges.”
It lists divisive concepts, including that “every individual should accept, acknowledge, affirm, or acquiesce in a sense of guilt, complicity, or the need to apologize on the basis of his or her race, color, religion, sex , ethnicity or national origin.”
The proposed legislation states that schools may not fund initiatives that teach these concepts or require students and employees to “take any training, orientation or course that advocates or requires agreement with a divisive concept, requires students as part of a mandatory curriculum or mandatory professional training.”
“This bill is an effort to get the divisive languages out of the schools, out of the classrooms, to teach history accurately so that everyone can be recognized regardless of skin color, gender (or) national origin,” Barfoot said.
Senate Democrats and others said the bill would hurt the state’s efforts to recruit businesses.
On the stand Thursday, Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said the proposal will ultimately be a “litmus test” for the state’s higher education institutions, al.com reported.
He argued that those who want to pursue diversity work will find a way to do so within the confines of the law, while others will now have more reasons not to.
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, a Democrat, said Republicans are pushing the bill as an “agenda piece” and trying to send the message that Alabama does not welcome diversity.
“I could see a doctor being recruited to UAB … you don’t want diversity and inclusion, so that’s why I don’t want to come to your state,” Singleton said.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin issued lengthy statements on social media this week criticizing the bill.
“To the State of Alabama: Why make it illegal for institutions of higher education to promote diversity and inclusion among their faculty and staff? Why block fair representation and opportunity for all people?,” he said. “If supporting inclusion becomes illegal in this state, you might as well stand outside the school door like Governor Wallace. Mannnn, it’s Black History Month. You could have at least waited until March 1.”