A controversial bill aimed at banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in West Virginia government and education is advancing through the House of Delegates. Known as Senate Bill 474 (SB 474), the legislation would end DEI initiatives across state agencies, public schools, and colleges, and could reach the House floor before the legislative session ends at midnight on Saturday.
The bill builds on Governor Patrick Morrisey’s Executive Order 3-25, issued the day after he took office in January. That order prohibited the use of taxpayer funds for DEI efforts in state departments. SB 474 would turn that temporary order into permanent state law.
What SB 474 Proposes
SB 474 seeks to eliminate DEI-focused positions and offices across the state executive branch and public education system, including higher education institutions. Instead, it promotes “color-blind” and “sex-neutral” approaches to recruitment, hiring, and training.
It restricts how race, ethnicity, and sex-related concepts can be presented in K-12 education, although academic instruction and research in colleges can still cover these topics—provided multiple viewpoints are offered.
The bill protects employees’ rights to use pronouns that align with a student’s sex assigned at birth and allows institutions to retain offices focused solely on complying with anti-discrimination laws.
Exemptions and Allowances
Despite its strict limits, SB 474 includes several exemptions. It allows DEI-related discussion in:
- Academic courses (if alternative theories are also presented)
- Registered student organizations
- Health and disability services
- Sexual harassment prevention
- Data collection and reporting
- Donor-funded scholarships
- Single-sex programs (such as sports or STEM camps)
- Legal compliance work
The bill also affirms the importance of free speech in education, stating that these topics can be discussed in theory, as long as they are not promoted as required beliefs.
Pushback and Opposition Voices
So far, no public supporters of SB 474 have spoken during committee hearings in the House. Instead, Democratic lawmakers and community members have raised concerns about the bill’s intent, definitions, and potential consequences.
During Monday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing, Delegate Evan Hansen questioned why certain types of diversity—like race and ethnicity—were being targeted, while socioeconomic diversity remains allowed.
Karen Williams, a retired educator and daughter of West Virginia University’s first Black law graduate, spoke against the bill, saying,
“West Virginia has always been a state of inclusion. I’m asking you to look around your county and your schools—Is this really a problem?”
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Former Civil Rights Division director Paul Sheridan echoed similar concerns, saying the bill’s definitions were vague and would lead to enforcement issues:
“The common meanings of ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ are not defined, creating confusion.”
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Emotional Testimony from Lawmakers
Last week, Delegate Anitra Hamilton, the only Black woman in the state legislature, gave an emotional speech during the House Education Committee’s review of the bill.
“It’s offensive to me. It’s offensive to my ancestors,” she said. “My great-great-grandfather was a slave… DEI matters, and I’m tired of having these conversations every year.”
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What’s Next for SB 474
With the House Judiciary Committee reviewing the bill, SB 474 could be marked up and voted on as soon as today. If passed, West Virginia would join at least 12 other states that have adopted similar laws targeting DEI initiatives, with another 10 considering related legislation.
As the final vote nears, only one thing is certain—the debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion in West Virginia is far from over.
