(The Center Square) — New Hampshire Republicans are advancing a plan to ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by the state, local governments and schools.
The GOP-controlled House Finance Committee voted Tuesday along party lines to add an amendment to the state’s budget to impose new limits on DEI mandates in state government, public higher education and K-12 schools.
If it survives budget negotiations, the proposal would prevent government agencies from renewing or entering into DEI contracts. The rules would also apply to municipalities and school districts, which would have to submit reports to the state by Oct. 1 identifying any DEI contracts. Under the proposal, schools that don’t comply or refuse to dismantle DEI programs could lose state funding.
“No public entity shall implement, promote, or otherwise engage in any DEl-related initiatives, programs, training, or policies,” the amendment reads. “No state funds shall be expended for DEl-related activities, including but not limited to implicit bias training. DEI assessments, critical race theory,or race-based hiring, promotion, or contracting preferences.”
Republicans argued that the move was necessary to prevent a loss of federal funding, with President Donald Trump cracking down on DEI initiatives and targeting states that don’t comply.
“We want to make sure that we don’t lose federal money because we have something in there that lot of us don’t support anyway,” House Finance Chairman Ken Weyler, a Kingston Republican, said during Tuesday’s hearing.
Democrats objected to the amendment, arguing that it was filed at the last minute and should be considered as part of the state budget. They defended the DEI policies, saying they help institutions serve diverse populations and address systemic inequality.
Some Democratic lawmakers suggested it would result in legal challenges that would cost the state’s taxpayers money to defend.
“Are you ready for the consequences?” state Rep. Mary Hakken–Phillips, a Hanover Democrat, asked GOP committee members. “Because they are coming, and it will be expensive, and you will be forever tied to this policy.”
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order on DEI directing federal agencies to terminate equity-related grants and contracts. Another Trump order required federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI programs. He and other Republicans argue that the initiatives discriminate and undermine merit-based hiring and education.
Trump’s policy is being challenged in federal court, but his lawyers want a round in March after a three-judge panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide injunction against the policy, allowing the orders to be enforced while the case moves forward.
The budget amendment faces several hurdles, including a Thursday vote by the House Finance Committee before the full House votes on the spending package next week.
The state Senate will craft its version of the budget, and both chambers must agree to a final version of the spending plan before sending it to Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte for consideration.
