A bill to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) departments in Tennessee is advancing through the state’s General Assembly, sparking a national debate. The Dismantle DEI Departments Act passed in a House subcommittee this week and, if fully enacted, supporters claim it will end reverse discrimination.
However, critics argue that the bill could harm not only people of color but also individuals with disabilities by removing equal opportunities.
One such critic is 22-year-old Alexandra Jobe, who was born without shin bones and uses a wheelchair. Jobe, who has fought for equal access to education, believes DEI is essential for people like her, as it provides a platform to show what they can accomplish.
“I think it’s very important for people to know I am just like everybody else. I just do things a little differently,” Jobe said.
Jobe fears the bill, pushed by Representative Aron Maberry and Senator Jack Johnson, will threaten her upcoming student teaching position. The bill, which passed 6-2 in the House Departments and Agencies subcommittee, targets DEI programs in state government, arguing they focus on factors like gender, race, and disability instead of merit.
Representative Maberry contends that the bill will not affect students with disabilities, citing the American Disabilities Act of 1990. He also emphasized that the bill is meant to ensure fairness by promoting merit-based systems over DEI practices.
However, DEI supporters argue that dismantling these departments would undo protections for historically underrepresented groups. “I am a product of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Chances are I wouldn’t be sitting here today if I were not,” said Representative Miller, defending DEI.
Proponents of the bill, including Maberry, argue that it will ensure government and universities focus on fairness and equality. “We must ensure our government entities and public universities focus on fairness and equality for all students and employees,” Maberry said in a statement. “DEI initiatives promote discrimination and undermine these core values.”
Jobe, however, finds the idea of dismantling DEI terrifying. “It’s a very scary thought,” she said.
The bill will soon be heard in the Senate and House state and local government committee. As it progresses through the legislative process, the debate over the future of DEI in Tennessee continues to intensify.
