Republican-led states aim to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives in higher education.

Republican lawmakers in at least a dozen states have proposed more than 30 bills this year targeting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in higher education, with some bills copying key definitions or phrases while adapting the concepts to their particular states. Many of the proposals root in one of a half-dozen conservative or libertarian organizations offering recommendations for limiting consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion in employment decisions, training and student admissions. Critics argue that the bills mischaracterize DEI initiatives and are an attack on marginalized communities.