Republicans in Louisiana want the state legislature to outlaw the study of racism at colleges and universities in a resolution approved on Saturday.

The resolution requests that the Legislature create laws to abolish diversity, equality, and inclusion departments and agencies “within any institution of higher learning within the state.” It was approved by voice vote at the state party’s quarterly meeting in Baton Rouge with no apparent opposition.

Louisiana Republican Party

State party officials asked the Legislature to act similarly to other conservative states that have thought about limiting programs that are thought to increase tribalism and animosity on campuses in supporting the resolution on Saturday.

The resolution aims to increase diversity in the higher education workforce and campus programs as well as classroom content that promotes critical race theory. It criticizes Claire Norris, a system administrator at the University of Louisiana, for allocating funds and personnel to DEI offices at LSU and the University of Louisiana System.

• Republicans in Louisiana want the state legislature to outlaw the study of racism.
• It was approved by voice vote at the state party’s quarterly meeting in Baton Rouge.
• The resolution aims to increase diversity in the higher education workforce.

In a statement, Kim Hunter Reed, the commissioner of higher education for Louisiana, stated that the Board of Regents supports its curriculum. “Programmes that support student success and strengthen a sense of belonging on campus and in the wider community are important and impactful, yielding positive results in student completion,” said Reed.

Through the viewpoint of critical race theory, racism is viewed as systematic in American institutions that serve to uphold the supremacy of White people in society.

The anti-DEI measure put up on Saturday is akin to a proposal being examined by the Florida legislature to forbid state colleges from offering critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which is supported by Governor Ron DeSantis.

GOP-controlled state legislatures in places like Texas, Missouri, Iowa, and other states are also closely examining higher education diversity programs. While no laws prohibiting the study of racism or critical race theory have been suggested in Louisiana, Rep. Valerie Hodges, a Republican from Denham Springs, has sponsored a House resolution requesting that colleges report their research on these topics to the state.