D.E.I. Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

D.E.I. could become a thing of the past and a spark for protests in Alabama. The fallout from today's Alabama Senate vote to ban it is just beginning.

"Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night," was uttered by Bette Davis's character Margo Channing in the classic movie "All About Eve". That famous line can be adapted to legislation now awaiting Governor Ivey's signature that would ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs from all state college and university campuses and state agencies.

Despite student and faculty protests on University of Alabama and other campuses, protests at the state capitol and a push by the NAACP for black college athletes to transfer out of Alabama if it passed; SB129 was approved by the upper chamber on a 25-4 vote today. Changes made in the house were adopted so the bill now goes to the governor's desk.

The vote came after fiery debate on the house floor in which the bill was referred to by Democrats as a sin committed by the State of Alabama. It passed anyway.

On social media recently, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin encouraged parents of minority student-athletes to select colleges in states “where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.”

Republicans claim D.E.I. supports divisive concepts and makes people feel bad about their identity. Conservatives allege all people are already seen as equal and they consider D.E.I programs as "indoctrination".

The bill also prohibits higher education institutions from allowing individuals from using restrooms that differ from their birth sex.

Opponents of the legislation believe iif Ivey signs the bill, it could result in making it more difficult to recruit students to Alabama college campuses and could cause complications with federal grants. They also believe it will hurt the state's economic and business interests.

Additionally, the bill could force colleges and universities in Alabama to lay off staff.

There is wording in the bill that ensures First Amendment rights of students and employees. It does not prohibit college staff and students from discussing whether slavery and racism are aligned with our founding fathers' principles.

There is also fear the bill could lead to a national boycott against Alabama that could damage the state's current strong economy.

if the governor signs the legislation, it will become effective on October 1st this year. From that point on things could get bumpy.