Press Release: New Hampshire Considers Controversial DEI Ban Amid Education Debates
In New Hampshire, a proposed ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has sparked heated debate among lawmakers and educational leaders. Christina Pretorius, a progressive education justice advocate, voiced strong opposition, stating, "That is not the New Hampshire way… having that concentrated power." The proposal, included in the House-passed budget version, seeks to prevent any executive branch agency and municipal government from implementing programs related to DEI.
Republican supporters of the ban argue it aims to curb waste and align with public sentiment against using taxpayer dollars for demographic-based training or hiring initiatives. "The people of New Hampshire do not want to subsidize programs that factor in demographic information," asserted Representative Joseph F. Sweeney, deputy majority leader in the House.
The legislation specifically prohibits public schools from engaging in any DEI-related activities, which are defined as those classifying individuals based on race, sex, or ethnicity. Recent disputes highlight the ambiguity of such definitions, as evidenced by a controversy surrounding materials distributed at Manchester’s McLaughlin Middle School, which included examples of racist stereotypes aimed at helping teachers navigate sensitive discussions.
Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel emphasized that the materials were misappropriated for student use, while Paulina Murton from the Great Schools Partnership defended their appropriateness for training educators.
The looming ban underscores broader disputes over DEI policies, especially in light of past legislative efforts, including the 2021 "banned concepts" law, which was struck down for vagueness. As tensions rise, educators and lawmakers continue to grapple with the implications of this controversial measure for New Hampshire’s educational landscape.
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