SB 17 (the DEI Bill) passed the House on the third reading. This bill eliminates DEI offices, but has hold harmless provisions protecting employment and salary levels for current employees working in the DEI space. It is uncertain where an institution might assign those employees.
Out of 23 amendments proposed, only one amendment was accepted, which was proposed by Rep. John Kuempel, Chair of the House Higher Ed Committee. According to the amendment, the Higher Education Coordinating Board would collect data on GPAs, recruitment, acceptance, retention and graduation to be examined by race, gender, etc.
The bill will now return to the Senate for concurrence on House amendments. If the Senate concurs, the bill will be sent to the Governor. If not, the bill will go to the conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions. An agreement of the conference committee will then have to be adopted by both full chambers on a simple majority vote.
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