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Scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
is in the crosshairs of some Louisiana Republican lawmakers. A Republican-backed
resolution called for tighter scrutiny of the amount of money being spent on programs
they felt advocated DEI efforts. However, disagreement on exactly what DEI and
critical race theory (CRT) are led to the resolution’s downfall.
House
Resolution 13 was proposed by Republican Louisiana State Representative Valarie
Hodges.
Rep. Valarie Hodges, R-Denham Springs
The resolution “Requests school-level reporting by public
elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools relative to programs and activities
related to critical race theory; diversity, equity, and inclusion; or
transformative social-emotional learning.”
The resolution suggested DEI and critical race theory-related
programs “bloated budgets” although no substantial evidence supported such
claims Nola.com reported.
The resolution garnered considerable Republican support from
the onset when the legislation was proposed in April. However, as fine details
were scrutinized legislative support waned.
WDSU reports
the resolution arose after “concerns about how much money is being spent
specifically on the programs and because activities offered by the state’s
education institutions merit further examination.”
Lawmakers were not in agreement on what programs fall under
DEI and critical race theory in a lengthy House of Education committee hearing.
News reports also said lawmakers struggled to clearly define critical race theory.
McKinsey
and Company define diversity, equity, and inclusion as “three values that
many organizations today strive to embody to help meet the needs of people from
all walks of life.”
McKinsey and Company went on to assert, companies that
practice DEI, “Are better able to respond to challenges, win top talent, and
meet the needs of different customer bases.”
The Universities of Louisiana Reginald F. Lewis Scholars enhances the collegiate experience of black male students.
Find out how you can support this program.
Learn more
Rep. Hodges attempted to define critical race theory a term
co-opted by conservatives including current Republican presidential candidate,
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Many claim CRT teaches students “All white
people are being oppressors while classifying all Black people as hopelessly
oppressed victims,” according to the Brookings Institute. These sentiments from many Republicans have spilled
over into state houses inspiring legislative efforts designed to limit DEI and
CRT in schools and workplaces. Some school boards across the country have also banned
books they deemed upheld DEI and CRT messages.
Brookings says critical race theory states that “U.S. social
institutions (criminal justice system, education system, labor market, housing
market, healthcare system) are laced with racism embedded in laws, regulations,
rules, and procedures that led to differential outcomes by race.”
Since many marginalized groups tend to suffer more from social
institutions, some Americans interpret this theory as calling white people
racist.
“People teaching that one race is superior or inferior to
another or that some people are advantages because of the color of their skin,”
Hodges said.
“This is a very problematic resolution as I see it,” Rep. Barbara
Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge told WWNO.
“You’re asking for school-level reporting on items that have
no clear definition of what they are,” Rep. Frieberg added.
The resolution ultimately failed to garner enough support in
a Louisiana House committee to move forward. It died in a 6-5 vote.
President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College
System Monty Sullivan called the failed resolution “racist”.
“At its core, this is a racist instrument,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan went on to say the resolution would have placed an
added burden on school officials noting schools already spend “Every stinkin’
nickel” it receives to educate students.
Democratic State Representative Tammy Phelps asked Hodges
during the hearing, “What is your problem with inclusion?”
During the contentious hearing, Hodges responded to Sullivan’s
assertion the resolution was racist.
"I am not a racist and I don’t appreciate being called one…I
don’t understand the anger over this because we’re simply asking how much is
being spent,” Hodges said according to Louisiana Illuminator.
The AC Phoenix News will continue to follow this story as it
continues to develop.
In an effort to track his family history the author has skillfully layered the foundation of his roots. Julius Faucette searches for a workable meaning to his life through his ancestor's choices of color. Faucette takes the reader back to the 1700's through research and intimate conversations with one of the oldest members in the family. Eugene Pinnix, who lived to be 104, speaks to the readers through Julius Faucette. 
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As the Madison Brown history unfolds, each generation passes down to the next that thirst to make color choices. The struggles of each play out in this candid historical review. In this irresistible story, Faucette resists the urge to paint with a broad brush that will stereotype the races. He utilizes the information obtained from not only his dear cousin, but also documents from local courthouses, state records, etc., to present a complete family picture.
This first edition will take the reader back several generations and the result is that
most will yearn to know their family origins.
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