The Tennessee House passed the “Dismantle DEI” bill that would prohibit state and local governments from promoting or requiring diversity in hiring practices. But the bill did not get the robust debate many expected.
Debate cut off
Other than a few limited remarks, made by Democrats in their effort to amend the legislation, very few words were spoken on the Tennessee House floor about the bill itself. “This bill is racist, it’s sexist, it’s ablest,” said State Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville). “Are you all so terrified of people that don’t look like you and believe like you?”
“[State Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville)] chose to come here to introduce these racist, vile, unnecessary bills to wage culture wars and target marginalized groups of people — and it’s shameful,” said State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville)
Shortly after the last amendment was presented, State Rep. Chris Todd (R-Jackson) made a controversial procedural move that ended debate on the amendments and the bill as a whole. Essentially, it forced an immediate vote. “I move previous question on the amendment and the bill,” Rep. Todd said on the House floor…