Rice-Eccles Stadium on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, January 15, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
The bill that would strip diversity, equity and inclusion programs from Utah public entities continues moving forward in the Legislature, even as lawmakers try to sort out unintended consequences and carve out exceptions.
HB261 , titled Equal Opportunity Initiatives, intends to ban DEI statements and alter the mission of DEI offices in Utah public colleges and other government agencies to make services available for all, rather than focusing on minorities.
The Senate voted 23-6 to give the bill initial approval. A second Senate vote is expected Thursday. If the Senate passes it, the new version of the bill will go back to the House for consideration.
Utahns have packed committee rooms to comment on the legislation. After questions from lawmakers about a “rushed” process and the overwhelming amount of comments in opposition to the bill, its Senate sponsor Sen. Keith Grover, R-Provo, pushed back saying the bill has been out for a couple of weeks and that the process started months ago. He also answered questions about what would happen to different groups and programs focused on minorities.