State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, has filed two pieces of legislation to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Tennessee government entities and public universities.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, has filed two pieces of legislation to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Tennessee government entities and public universities.
The Dismantle DEI Act or House Bill 622, would prohibit local governments and public universities from making hiring decisions based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability. Local governments include county, municipal and metropolitan entities.
“Every Tennessean deserves an equal opportunity for employment based on their abilities, not their background,” Maberry said. “The Dismantle DEI Act promotes fairness, merit and efficiency in local governments and public universities. It champions equality, not anti-diversity, and encourages inclusion through fair and unbiased hiring practices.”
This legislation would also prevent those entities from hiring a particular candidate based on goals to increase DEI in the workplace.
The Dismantling DEI Departments Act or House Bill 923, would prevent state and local governments, as well as public higher education institutions from maintaining offices or departments that promote or require discriminatory preferences in efforts to advance DEI.
“We must ensure our government entities and public universities focus on fairness and equality for all students and employees,” Maberry said. “DEI initiatives promote discrimination and undermine these core values. Dismantling these departments and offices is a significant step toward a more unified future for all, and I’m proud to spearhead this effort for our state.”
If passed, all mandates, policies, activities, regulations and enforcement actions by DEI offices or departments within those entities would be void.
Tennessee would join several states, including Texas and Utah, in passing similar legislation shuttering DEI departments and initiatives.
The Tennessee General Assembly would be among the first to successfully pass legislation prohibiting DEI hiring practices in local government and public universities.
These changes align with recent federal efforts, including executive orders signed by President Donald Trump to eliminate discriminatory preferences and ending federal DEI programs.
Aron Maberry represents House District 68 which includes part of Montgomery County.
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