“Dismantling DEI Departments Act” Passes Tennessee House Subcommittee Despite Democrat Contentions

Image Credit: TN General Assembly

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

Freshman Representative Aron Maberry’s (R-Clarksville-District 68) “Dismantling DEI Departments Act” (HB 0923) passed the House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee with a 6-2 vote on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Act would mandate that “A department, agency, or other unit of state government shall not maintain or authorize an office or department that promotes or requires discriminatory preferences in an effort to increase diversity, equity, or inclusion.” 

Additionally, it states, “All mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, or other declarations by such office or department are void.” The legislation stipulates that the ruling would apply to all county, municipal, and metropolitan governments, and public institutions of higher education.

During Tuesday’s subcommittee meeting, Rep. Maberry fielded questions from Democrat Jesse Chism expressing concerns that this legislation would eliminate services for or otherwise negatively impact students with disabilities and women overall. 

Rep. Maberry responded, “This bill eliminates departments that are pushing DEI actions, this would not remove…” 

“So that’s a yes then,” rebutted Chism, “because diversity, equity, inclusion includes those with disabilities.” Members of the audience were chastised by the committee’s chair as they could be heard loudly snapping in support of Chism’s critiques. 

Rep. Maberry clarified the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 clearly lays out protections for those with disabilities and that the bill would not overturn any federal regulations as Chism suggested and rebutted each question with the reminder that the bill does not strip any programs or services, it merely disallows any of these agencies or units of government to have a department dedicated to discriminatory DEI practices. 

The other Democrat on the subcommittee, Rep. Larry Miller, took his turn at bat, questioning, “So all of those [forms of government] that currently have those departments in place today, are you suggesting that this bill simply says all of those departments will be dismantled? All of those employees that currently have a job, that are working, will be terminated, dismantled?”

While Rep. Maberry affirmed that the departments themselves would in fact be dismantled, he is “not advocating for anyone to get fired.” He spoke to cases across the state and country where individuals were transferring their skills to different entities or departments as DEI-specific departments are being shuttered. 

Miller then personalized his argument saying, “I’m a product of DEI, the chances are I wouldn’t be sitting here today if I were not. And what your bill is actually saying, we want to dismantle and do away with that history, my personal history. I kind of find somewhat of an offense to that.” 

He also attacked Maberry’s background as a pastor stating, “Actually, Jesus Christ experienced DEI. A number of reasons why He was crucified, but DEI was one of those reasons, Reverend Representative Maberry. So as we continue this conversation, I would suggest to you that you continue to study the historic perspective of what built this country.”

Though there was some further squabbling between members, with Republican Dennis Powers making an argument for merit over DEI, the bill ultimately passed 6-2 along party lines with the two “No” votes cast by Democrats Jesse Chism and Larry Miller. 

Members voting “Yes” on the bill were Reps. Jeff Burkhart, Michele Carringer, John Crawford, Rick Eldridge, Greg Martin, and Dennis Powers.

The legislation will now go before the full State & Local Government Committee. If you would like to contact the members of this committee to express your thoughts on this bill, please use the information below: 

HB0923 Summary: Enacts the “Dismantling DEI Departments Act.” – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 49, Chapter 7.

Rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dave.wright@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jeff.burkhart@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ed.butler@capitol.tn.gov, rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov, rep.vincent.dixie@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dan.howell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.leatherwood@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.greg.martin@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jake.mccalmon@capitol.tn.gov, rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov, rep.bo.mitchell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tim.rudd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.iris.rudder@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov

Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.