JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI is a hot-button issue across the country right now. And the Mississippi legislature is joining in on taking action. However, that comes with its fair share of passionate debate.

The House version of a DEI ban would impact the state’s public schools from K-12 up to universities.

It would do away with certain diversity training programs, prevent teaching what the bill outlines as “divisive concepts” and require they teach that there are only two genders: male and female.

“If it is not followed by public schools or colleges and universities, the Attorney General or an individual would have a right to an action to enforce it,” said HB 1193 author Rep. Joey Hood.

The school could have state funding withheld till they comply.

“We were moving forward and as it relates to race relations, gender discrimination and now we’re going back in time and I just don’t understand why we even consider a bill like this,” said Rep. Jeffery Harness.

Less than 24 hours after the hours-long House debate, the Mississippi State Conference NAACP was hosting its Advocacy Day.

Although they were taking a stand on multiple issues, several noted that communities of color are under attack and said this of the talk about DEI bans.

“How can you have a democracy without diversity?” asked the Mississippi State Conference NAACP Executive Director. “How can you have a democracy without equity and you absolutely cannot have a democracy without inclusion? So, I wish that our legislators and I wish the folks around the country would stop using this term in a perverse way. Say what you mean and mean what you say.”

By the end of the work day Thursday, the Senate had cleared a version of its own. Unlike the House proposal, Senate Bill 2515 would only apply to universities and community colleges.

“Abolishing DEI policies does not mean we are abandoning diversity,” noted Sen. Tyler McCaughn.

“I think that this bill is a turning around point in our history,” said Sen. Hillman Frazier. “This bill is the 1890 constitution in 2025.”

The bill passed. Now, each chamber will consider the other’s proposal.

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