LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked many conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As time progressed, political leaders sought out ways to continue the dialogue surrounding DEI— and whether or not it should carry on at institutions of higher education.
"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 Senator Fredrick Love (D- Mabelvale).
In the state of Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order that prohibited the "indoctrination and critical race theory (CRT) in schools."
Following this order, political and community leaders around the state led conversations that were either for or against the effects of DEI in K-12 and institutions of higher education.
This week, the Higher Ed Subcommittee made up of state senators and representatives met on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to discuss a study regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as it relates to Institutions of Higher Education in the State.
"The purpose of the meeting was to focus on what is going on with the LEARNS Act and education and the transition to having our Higher Ed people work with K -12 career training," said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro), the subcommittee co-chair.
Senator Sullivan has been a vocal leader in presenting the state with solutions to end DEI and affirmative action efforts. In 2023, he sponsored Senate Bill 71— which he said dealt primarily with preferential treatment and efforts to prohibit discrimination.
While the bill did not pass the Arkansas House Floor, Senator Sullivan said he wants to push towards the goal of equality in efforts to diminish discrimination.
"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," Senator Sullivan described.
Some political leaders like Senator Fredrick Love, said that DEI is beneficial for all students who are underrepresented.
"These are movements that are intentional to ensure that the educational space or the workspace is reflective of what America looks like," he added.
Senator Love explained that while he is against any efforts to kill DEI from higher education institutions across the state, he sees it as a tool to provide richness and knowledge to all conversations.
As many Arkansans wonder what's next for in-state colleges and DEI, Senator Sullivan shared how the next steps include presenting the overall process to legislation 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," Sullivan added.