They don’t define DEI, but Kansas lawmakers are attacking it like GOP colleagues elsewhere

By JOHN HANNA and DAVID A. LIEB
Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers have joined fellow Republicans in other states in trying to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on university campuses. But the propoals they’ve advanced are written to avoid having to agree on how to define DEI. The Kansas House on Thursday approved by an 81-39 vote a bill that would bar universities, community colleges or technical colleges from basing student admission or employee hiring or promotion decisions on any statement or pledge about DEI. Last week, the Senate approved budget legislation with a provision pushing universities to eliminate such requirements and mandatory DEI training. Neither measure defines DEI, but supporters say they set up simple tests that don’t require a definition.