KS legislature targets diversity, equity inclusion in college admissions

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas lawmakers are looking to prohibit colleges from granting students admission or scholarships based on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

HB 2460 seeks to prevent postsecondary schools from using DEI and political ideology as criteria for evaluating admissions and scholarship candidates, as well as hiring or promoting faculty and staff.

The bill passed in the House Committee on Higher Education Budget with three representatives noting their disapproval.

Supporters of the bill say using DEI for these purposes opens the door to discrimination.

"Discrimination is wrong in any form, anywhere," Rep. Barb Wasinger, (R) of Hays says. "The problem with DEI is it allows for discrimination in its premise."

Opponents argue because the bill does not define diversity, equity, or inclusion, the language is not clear enough to prevent discrimination on that basis. Some also said DEI should be encouraged.

"Until we know what diversity means across the board," Rep. Brandon Woodard, (D) of Lenexa said, "until we know what equity means across the board, until we know what equity means across the board, we shouldn't we passing legislation dealing with it."

The bill now heads to the House floor.

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