As the national conversation surrounding DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) remains ongoing, Arkansas’ political leaders are divided on the future of related initiatives in higher education.
In 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an executive order banning “indoctrination and CRT (critical race theory)” in all public schools citing that “CRT is antithetical to the traditional American values of neutrality, equality, and fairness. It emphasizes skin color as a person’s primary characteristic, thereby resurrecting segregationist values.”
Following the order, political and community leaders across the state have led conversations for and against the effects of DEI in K-12 and institutions of higher education.
On September 3, the Arkansas Higher Ed Subcommittee, co-chaired by Senator Jane English (R) and Representative David Whitaker (D), met at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro to assess a study on DEI and the role it plays in higher education.
“The purpose of the meeting was to focus on what is going on with the LEARNS Act,” an acronym for Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety, “and education and the transition to having our Higher Ed people work with K -12 career training,” said Senator Dan Sullivan (R), the subcommittee co-chair.”
Sullivan has been vocal about wanting to end DEI initiatives. He previously sponsored Senate Bill 71, an anti-DEI bill designed to eliminate “discrimination and preferential treatment.” The bill did not pass, but Sullivan said he wants to continue pushing for “equality in an effort to diminish discrimination,” according to an interview with local news station THV 11.
“At some point, we have to have the courage to trust one another and say we are going to move forward. Where we’re gonna treat everyone with dignity, everyone fairly, and everyone as a preferred customer,” Sullivan said.
However, Sen. Fredrick Love (D), who supports DEI as a vital tool for underrepresented students, emphasized its role in making educational spaces reflective of America’s diversity.
“DEI is really an effort to basically make sure that you’re intentional about making your student body or your workplace inclusive of all cultures, ethnicities, and just different persons, different personalities,” said Love.
The subcommittee will present its findings to state legislators in 2025.
“Our next phase is to move on to the legislative portion, which will start in January, and universities will likely see legislation dealing with preferential treatment, diversity, equity, and inclusion,” added Sullivan.
The potential for new DEI-related legislation could loom over Arkansas universities’ not-too-distant future.
