Charleston commission debates state 'anti‑DEI' bill, tables decision on affiliating with state Human Affairs Commission

Brandon, commissioner, warned the Human Affairs and Reconciliation Commission that a proposed South Carolina bill (No. 33927) would significantly restrict diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices for state agencies and recipients of state funds, and could allow the state to withhold funding from entities found in violation.

The bill “is a minefield to navigate,” Brandon said, adding that the measure would apply to “any state agency, any recipient of state dollars, any grantee of state dollars” and that the state could “pull funding” if an auditor found a violation. He also said sponsors had added many co‑sponsors and that the measure had momentum in the current legislative session.

The commission’s discussion focused on practical implications for city programs that rely on state or federal funding (including trainings, contractor and subcontractor certifications, and minority/women business enterprise efforts), and on whether the commission should affiliate with the state Human Affairs Commission as a Community Relations Council. Jerry, chair, summarized the commission’s next step:…