A bill to ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies within local governments has gained final approval in the Arkansas Legislature. Yesterday, members of the House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 520.
Democratic Rep. Jessie McGruder spoke against the bill, saying the legislature shouldn’t interfere in local governments. The bill’s House co-sponsor, Republican Rep. Alyssa Brown, said it is necessary to ensure cities and counties aren’t in conflict with state law, as it mirrors a new state law that bans DEI policies in state government. SB520 now heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.
