Wednesday, June 12, 2024: Republican Legislators Introduced “Dismantle DEI Act”
Although unlikely to pass, six Senators, led by JD Vance (R-OH) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and 16 House members, led by Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX), introduced the “Dismantle DEI Act.” Both Senator Vance and Representative Cloud issued respective press releases on the bill. The proposed legislation would rescind multiple Executive Orders (“EOs”) (but not EO 11246) and Memoranda and amend several federal statutes, including federal contracting statutes to prohibit DEI practices. It would also eliminate all federal DEI programs and related funding for federal agencies, federal contracts, federal grant awardees, and educational accreditation agencies.The 48-page proposed measure defines “Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Practice,” as:
“(1) discriminating for or against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin;
(2) requiring as a condition of employment, as a condition for promotion or advancement, or as a condition for speaking, making a presentation, or submitting written materials, that an employee undergo training, education, or coursework, or other pedagogy, that (sic) asserts that a particular race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin is inherently or systemically superior or inferior, oppressive or oppressed, or privileged or unprivileged; or
(3) requiring as a condition of employment, as a condition for promotion or advancement, or as a condition for speaking, making a presentation, or submitting written materials, the signing of or as sent to a statement, code of conduct, work program, or plan, or similar device that requires assent by the employee that a particular race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin is inherently or systemically superior or inferior, oppressive or oppressed, or privileged or unprivileged.”