Louisiana House Approves Controversial Bill Banning DEI Programs

Categories: Louisiana Breaking NewsLouisiana GovernmentLouisiana NewsLouisiana Politics

Lawmakers engage in heated discussions over House Bill 685 pertaining to DEI programs in Louisiana.

News Summary

On May 19, 2025, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 685, which aims to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in state government and restrict race and gender-related curricula in universities. The vote, 57-32, highlighted a deep partisan divide. Opponents argue it threatens minority benefits and educational freedom, while supporters assert it promotes unity. The bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate amid growing criticism from educators and civil rights advocates.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – On May 19, 2025, the Louisiana House of Representatives narrowly approved House Bill 685, a contentious proposal aimed at banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within state government, as well as imposing restrictions on race and gender-related curricula in state universities. The bill, led by Republican Representative Emily Chenevert, passed with a vote tally of 57-32, falling strictly along party lines, signifying a deep divide among lawmakers on this issue.

The legislation aims to prohibit state agencies from maintaining DEI programs and prevents any employment directly related to such initiatives. Furthermore, it restricts public postsecondary institutions from offering preferential treatment in admissions or other benefits based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The bill also imposes bans on the teaching of certain concepts, including critical race theory, white privilege, systemic racism, and intersectionality in educational settings, unless these topics are presented in non-mandatory courses.

The debate surrounding House Bill 685 was marked by intense discussions among lawmakers. Many members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus expressed their strong opposition to the bill, labeling it as what one representative termed the “most racially oppressive piece of legislation” they had faced during their tenure. Concerns have been raised that if the bill were to be enacted, it could lead to the elimination of programs that benefit minority students, such as scholarships aimed at Black students and courses that focus on African American history.

Supporters of the bill, including Chenevert, argued that the legislation is intended to foster unity among Louisianans and protect their rights, suggesting that current DEI programs can divide rather than unify communities. However, opposition voices highlighted the bill’s potential ramifications on academic freedom and the teaching of vital historical and social concepts.

In light of these concerns, various organizations, including the Southern University Foundation and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) of Louisiana, criticized the bill’s implications for education. Advocates for diversity and minority rights fear that such legislative measures contribute to a broader conservative movement aiming to restrict DEI initiatives across educational institutions. This worrying trend echoes actions taken by Governor Jeff Landry, who issued an executive order prohibiting critical race theory from being taught in K-12 public schools.

The Senate’s review of House Bill 685 remains uncertain as substantial pushback emerges from educators and civil rights advocates. Some state senators have expressed skepticism regarding the bill’s approval, suggesting that the mounting criticism may influence legislative decisions in the future.

As the situation develops, members of the Black Caucus have voiced their concerns over the historical context of racial discrimination in education, raising alarms regarding the lasting impact that such legislation could have on present and future generations of students in Louisiana. The emotional reactions from the Black Caucus representatives following the vote underscored the depth of their opposition and heightened fears that the bill represents a significant step backward in the fight for racial equality and educational equity.