House education panel adopts amendment restricting DEI offices at state agencies and public colleges

The South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee adopted a strike‑all amendment to House Bill 3927 that would restrict diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and practices at state and quasi‑state agencies and at public institutions of higher education.

Supporters said the amendment is meant to protect individual merit and ensure compliance with the state and federal constitutions; opponents said it risks unintended consequences for accreditation, grant eligibility and programs that serve historically underserved communities. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably to the full House.

The amendment replaces the bill’s original text with a new statute that: defines “public institution of higher learning” and “quasi‑state agency”; prohibits state and quasi‑state agencies from creating or supporting DEI offices unless required by state or federal law; bans requiring DEI statements from applicants or using such statements to give preferential treatment in hiring or…