We have passed several pieces of legislature, but I will focus on H. 3927-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; however, please know that Tort Reform is also concerning S. 244. In 2025, we are in the legislature debating H. 3927 which is designed to eliminate diversity practices that have benefited South Carolina over the years. H. 3927 is a controversial bill. The sponsors of the bill allege that H. 3927 is intended to end discrimination and restore Merit Base Opportunity. This bill goes against the tenants of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 which was a landmark civil rights and labor law case that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and any and every other class under attack.
As Chair, I called for the point of order for the relevance of DEI Proviso 117.19 which prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and incentives, arguing it did not pertain to funding allocations and expenditures within the budget. The point of order was sustained thus the proviso was no longer up for consideration. The proviso
was removed ensuring that the House budget passed without it. On March 20th, the Committee on Education and Public Works gave H. 3927 a favorable vote with an amendment added to it. The sponsors of the amendment said that it is not as bad as the original bill. The amendment will replace the original H. 3927; the amendment is also unacceptable. The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus is not for any bill that interferes with any portion of the institutions, organizations, and other agencies’ ability to implement Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs and incentives.
On March 26th we were not debating the original controversial bill, we were debating the Proposed Amendment 1 to H. 3927, which is still controversial. Proposed Amendment H. 3927 would prohibit public institutions of higher learning and quasi-state agencies from promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The proposed amendment is just a play on words, and it is still unacceptable.
The members of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus have been vigilantly fighting against H. 3927 and Proposed Amendment 1 to H. 3927. We know that this is not only discrimination against African Americans, but it is discrimination against any protective class of people. This is a travesty for our state. This is racial discrimination dressed up in a tuxedo and a ball gown.
- H. 3927 is one of the most controversial bills that has been debated this year. The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus will be debating this issue on Tuesday, April 1st at 12:00 P.M. Anyone who is interested in attending this meeting may come to the South Carolina State House located 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or you can view the meeting online at www.scstatehouse.gov/ or via the www.scstatehouse.gov/ mobileappinfo.php
Let’s continue to march on until victory is won.
Rep. Annie E. McDaniel is chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.
