Wyoming House debates Senate File 103 on DEI; adopts narrower changes, delays enactment for fall semester

The Wyoming House spent much of the session on Senate File 103, titled in the bill text as terminating and defunding diversity, equity and inclusion, considering a series of amendments that would change how public colleges and universities may offer courses touching on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The measure drew repeated debate over whether the Legislature should dictate curriculum and whether trustees of the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges retain authority over degree programs. Representative Chestyck argued the trustees, not the Legislature, should control curricula, saying, "I think the trustees should be allowed to run the university the way they see fit. That's their job." Representative Harrelson, the bill sponsor, defended legislative oversight and moved several cleanup and clarifying amendments.

Why it matters: The bill directly affects how public higher-education institutions set degree and course requirements and how state funding and grant applications interact with DEI-related statements by outside funders. Lawmakers said the changes affect the University of Wyoming, the community college system and local entities that might apply for state or private grants.

Key actions and amendments: Lawmakers considered at least six second‑reading amendments to the bill. Highlights: - Second reading amendment 1 (Harrelson) changed the bill's statutory language from using the term "government unit" to "entity," aligning the phrasing with existing statute; the amendment was adopted on voice vote. - Second reading amendment 2 (Representative Chestyck) would have deleted a newly created statutory subsection that Chestyck said would "overrule" trustees; that amendment failed. - Second reading amendment 3 (Representative Chestyck) sought to change a section title that referenced prohibiting expenditures for critical race theory; the amendment failed after a division of the House. - Second reading amendment 4 (Representative Chestyck) proposed clarifications intended to preserve the ability for institutions to offer courses that touch on DEI as electives; that amendment failed. - Second reading amendment 5 (Representative Claxton) moved the law's enactment date to July 1 to give universities and colleges time to prepare for fall scheduling; the amendment was adopted. - Second reading amendment 6 (Representative Harrelson) added a subsection clarifying that nothing in the relevant subsection prevents a government entity or employee from submitting documentation or statements of purpose when applying for a grant; the amendment was adopted. Harrelson described the change as ensuring municipalities and special districts would not be barred from pursuing grants where a funder has a DEI statement.

Positions in the debate split along differing views about legislative authority and institutional autonomy. Supporters of the bill and of select amendments said the Legislature has the power as the state's appropriator to restrict how public funds are used and what is required in curricula; opponents repeatedly urged deference to boards of trustees and warned against micromanaging academic operations.

The House completed second reading amendments and ordered third reading for the bill later in the day's session; the transcript ends with the bill read twice and third reading ordered.

What remains: The transcript shows multiple amendments were debated and several were adopted, but it does not record a final passage vote for Senate File 103 in the provided excerpt. Lawmakers noted further changes and conforming edits may appear on third reading.