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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Aron Mayberry (R-Dist. 68-Clarksville) has introduced his first bill as a freshman lawmaker, entitled the “Dismantling DEI Departments Act”, aimed, for once it seems, at doing exactly what the title suggests.
The Act, HB0923, 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 declares, “All mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, or other declarations by such office or department are void.”
It further specifies that county, municipal, & metropolitan governments, and public institutions of higher education are held to the exact same standards and must not maintain any DEI offices or departments.
This bill comes on the heels of President Trump’s Executive Order mandating similar actions for federal agencies, which has been applauded by conservatives nationwide.
Mayberry is a member of the Clarksville Montgomery School Board and ran his State Representative campaign heavily on the school choice platform amongst other principles he touted as, “the conservative values of the Republican Party.”
He was one of three candidates across the state who earned Governor Bill Lee’s endorsement during the primary elections based solely on his support of Lee’s voucher program, and was a solid “Yes” vote on the controversial Education Freedom Act of 2025.
The other co-sponsors listed on HB0923 thus far are House Majority Leader William Lamberth, who sponsored Lee’s education bill, and House Speaker Cameron Sexton who removed conservative lawmakers from committees for speaking against the bill and has explicitly banned conservative news outlets from full access to the legislature.
After passing the House on first consideration, the Act’s companion bill has been filed as SB1084, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Dist. 27-Franklin), who has previously come under scrutiny for allegedly illegally coordinating with PACs during his 2022 election.
It remains to be seen if newcomer Mayberry will ultimately stand by his campaign slogan, “Conservative Voice for a New Generation”, or if he will continue to get swept into the waiting arms of some of Tennessee’s most notorious RINOs.
Regardless, this bill does appear to be a decent piece of legislation that could help weed out some toxic practices from government functions across the state.
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.
