TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – As federal agencies are directed to terminate all equity-related grants or contracts at the national level, state lawmakers in Tallahassee are considering legislation centered on limiting diversity, equity and inclusive requirements known as DEIs that are different from DEIs.
Sen. Nick Dicegley of Pinellas County, sponsoring the bill at hand, says the DEI program is more positive than creating equity.
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Meanwhile, Democrats argue that the bill is problematic and feeds culture wars.
“We don’t give up, we organize, and when we organize, we win,” said D-Orlando State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith.
Florida Democrats and supporters gathered at the Capitol in opposition to many of the bills. Equality Florida has released a list of bills that organizations oppose this legislative meeting, including Senate Bill 7016, Senate Bill 420, Senate Bill 440, Senate Bill 1710, Senate Bill 932 and Senate Bill 930.
“Some bills perpetuating these critical culture wars that do nothing to reduce costs for Floridians, do nothing to solve real problems, and do nothing to improve the lives of hardworking people in this state, are being heard in Florida homes and Senate committees,” Smith said.
One of these efforts, led by Senator Diceglie of SB 1710, aims to prohibit state agencies from using funds to comply with or support DEI policies, saying it is inappropriate for state agencies to have these programs in the first place.
“In reality, Day often reverses discrimination and supports several groups over others under the guide to fairness. This is not fairness, and that favour is adorned as progress,” Diceglie said.
In support of the bill, Sen. R-Melbourne Beach state Sen. Randy Fine says Dei has proven not about diversity, but rather advocating ideology and a political agenda that no one agrees with.
“What the bill is saying is that it doesn’t manipulate or affect employee compensation using race, gender, color, ethnicity, etc. Basically, you can’t discriminate,” Fine said.
D-Orlando’s state representative Anna V. Eskamani argued that the bill does nothing to help Floridians every day, and instead prioritizes the political game.
“This type of law not only erodes local control, but also makes it difficult for local governments to meet the needs of their constituents, but is only part of a larger, politically motivated attack.
Others support the bill,” Eskamani said.
Floridians across the state have come to oppose the bill, but despite those efforts, it still died from the committee, six ears and two denials.
