2024 Senate Bill 6: AN ACT relating to postsecondary institutions.

Senate Bill 6 concerns Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. The bill states that students can not be penalized or discriminated against due to their refusal to support a “divisive concept” which the bill defines as “the idea that one race or sex is superior to another, or that a person should feel guilt or discomfort due to their race or sex.” The bill also allows employees and students to sue public colleges and universities if they believe the institution violates this law. Also noted in the bill are that students or employees can not be forced to endorse any “ideological viewpoint” and an institution cannot inquire about any person's “social or political viewpoint” for tenure, hire or admittance.

KSVT opposes Senate Bill 6. Under the guise of protecting students against discrimination, the bill really aims to take away funding for programs that help minority students succeed in college life. DEI programs ensure equitable access to education for all students, not discrimination.