Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that requires state department heads to assert annually that they are in compliance with Tennessee laws prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or policies passed in the House Education Committee last week in a 13 to 4 vote along party lines.
Sponsored by Representative Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville-District 68), House Bill 1664 now heads to the House Calendar and Rules Committee.
The companion bill (SB1713) has already passed in the Senate where an amendment was adopted that expands the legislation’s scope to include local county, city, and metropolitan governments, as well as institutions of higher education.
A similar bill (HB2198) named the “DEI Compliance Certification Act” that would require state agencies and departments to submit an annual report and sworn statement to the governor and General Assembly detailing steps taken to remove DEI measures and any complaints filed related to violation of state anti-DEI laws was taken off notice in the House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
