A bill that would withhold state funds from any Arizona college or university that actively has at least one course on “diversity, equity and inclusion” heads for a full House vote.
Republican Rep. Walt Blackman says that it’s time for America to move on from its racist and segregated past, and it can’t do that with what the bill defines as "DEI."
“Are we sending the wrong message to young people of color that your ethnic background is what gets you in the door? Or is it your brains," Blackman said.
The bill targets courses that “relate contemporary American society” to topics including systemic or institutionalized racism, whiteness, gender identity or social justice. Some exceptions apply.
Democratic Rep. Quantá Crews says those topics are real and still around.
“I have been discriminated against over and over. There are people who have challenged my intellect here at the Capitol ‘cause they think I don’t know. They don’t look at my credentials," Crews said.
The bill has already passed the Senate.
