House Bill 1193

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM CREATING, PROMOTING AND IMPLEMENTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) PROGRAMS; TO DEFINE RELEVANT TERMS; AND TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF DIVERSITY STATEMENTS AND TRAINING IN HIRING, ADMISSIONS, AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AT STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this act is to prohibit state institutions of higher learning from taking certain actions and engaging in discriminatory practices. This act seeks to ensure that employment, academic opportunities, and student engagement are based solely on individual merit, qualifications and academic performance, without consideration of an individual's views on

diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

SECTION 2. As used in this act, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed, unless context of use clearly requires otherwise:

(a) "Diversity statement" means a written statement or essay that requires an individual to express their views or commitment regarding issues related to race, sex or other federally protected classes.

(b) "Diversity training" means any formal or informal education, seminars, workshops or instructional program that focus on increasing awareness or understanding of issues related to

race, sex or other federally protected classes.

(i) One (1) race, sex or other federally protected class is inherently superior to another race or sex;

(ii) An individual, by virtue of his or her race, sex, or other federally protected class, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously;

(iii) An individual should be discriminated against or treated adversely solely because of their race, sex or other federally protected class;

(iv) Members of one (1) race or sex or other federally protected class cannot and should not attempt to

treat others without respect to race or sex or other federally protected class;

(v) An individual's moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex or other federally protected class;

(vi) An individual, by virtue or his or her race or sex or other federally protected class, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex or other federally protected class;

(vii) An individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex or other federally protected class; or

(viii) Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work

ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular class to oppress another class.

SECTION 3. State institutions of higher learning shall not:

(a) Require, request, or consider diversity statements or similar materials from job applicants as part of the hiring process, contract renewal process, evaluation or promotion process;

(b) Require, request, or consider diversity statements or similar materials from applicants for admission to academic programs;

(d) Require, induce, or compel students or employees to endorse, assent to or publicly express a divisive concept;

(e) Penalize or discriminate against a student, employee or contractor on the basis of his or her refusal to support, believe, endorse, embrace, confess, act upon or otherwise assent to a divisive concept; or

(f) Maintain any programs, including academic programs or courses, or offices that promote or endorse divisive concepts or concepts promoting transgender ideology, gender-neutral pronouns, heteronormativity, gender theory, sexual privilege or any related formulation of these concepts.

SECTION 4. Nothing in this act shall be construed to:

(a) Prohibit the required collection or reporting of demographic data by state institutions of higher learning;

(b) Prohibit a state institution of higher learning from requiring a student or employee to comply with federal or state laws, or from taking action against a student or employee for violations of federal or state law;

(d) Prohibit a state institution of higher learning from complying with any applicable academic accreditation standards or requirements; or

(e) Prohibit or restrict programs or campus activities required for compliance with federal laws or regulations, or access programs for military veterans, Pell Grant recipients, first-generation college students, nontraditional students, students from low-income families or students with

unique abilities.

SECTION 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.