Lowcountry parents battle diversity, equity and inclusion ban within schools

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The fate of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives lies in the hands of South Carolina lawmakers, raising eyebrows from some parents in the Lowcountry about what it means for their children’s future.

AJ Davis, a father and member of the Lowcountry Black Parents Association, says this raised alarm bells for him and other families.

“These efforts reiterate some of the things we were told by our parents, our grandparents, about the true environmental racism and how it impacts us,” Davis says.

House bill H.4663 would ban the promotion of those discussions, teachings, trainings or programs from state offices, departments and educational institutions.

This includes any reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or other similar factor in hiring, in-house treatment and learning environments. The law explicitly states higher education and school districts will be included.

“This is not a standalone issue. The same folks are really advocating and pushing this same narrative in every component of society,” American Civil Liberties Union Senior Advocacy Strategist Josh Malkin says. “I love South Carolina, this is a great state and South Carolina, I don’t believe South Carolinians really believe in this.”

The law was proposed by seven lawmakers with a goal to create a “race-neutral” environment within places of large public involvement or occupation. One of them is House Representative Brandon Cox, who represents Berkeley County.

Cox did not respond to multiple contact attempts through email or phone about the legislation.

Davis says this emphasizes the importance of getting involved in elections as a community.

“One of the things this bill and bills like it do, is it reinforces the importance of local focus,” Davis says.

The bill is currently being discussed in judiciary committee. If passed, it will be one of similar bills presented and in discussion across 25 states.