Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Senate State and Local Government Committee recommended legislation for passage this week that would bring into effect the “Dismantling DEI Departments Act.”
Senate Bill 1084 (SB1084), sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-District 27), 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.
Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville-District 21) questioned the legislation, asking if it would in any way negatively impact services offered for individuals with disabilities.
Johnson stated that it would not, noting that federal laws are in place to dictate those programs.
Yarbro then argued that the bill would take away civil rights protections that had been in place for years and would take away differing perspectives from various state boards.
Johnson countered those arguments and then the chair called for a vote.
The bill was passed with 7 ayes and 2 noes. Senator Yarbro and Senator Sara Kyle (D-Memphis-District 30) voted against the measure.
SB1084 will now go before the full Senate for a vote.
The companion House Bill 0923 (HB0923), sponsored by State Representative Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville-District 68) is set to be heard by the House State and Local Government Committee on April 9.
If you would like to give your thoughts on the legislation, please contact members of the House State and Local Government Committee prior to that meeting by using the contact information below.
HB0923/SB1084 The Dismantling DEI Departments Act
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
One Response
Thanx! Little doubt it’ll pass.