The ongoing battle over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs has made its way to Mississippi, where lawmakers are now pushing to eliminate DEI from the state’s higher education system. With former President Donald Trump’s ban on DEI programs in the federal government fueling national debates, Mississippi’s Republican-controlled Legislature is considering similar restrictions for its universities.
For months, Mississippi lawmakers have discussed the future of DEI programs, consulting with university officials. Now, with increasing momentum, they are preparing to pass legislation that could reshape academic concepts across the state’s higher education system. These lawmakers are looking into what constitutes a “divisive” academic concept and how to provide legal recourse for students and faculty members who feel wronged by DEI initiatives.
DEI: A Polarizing Issue
The debate surrounding DEI programs has largely been driven by conservative voices who argue that these programs divide people into categories of victims and oppressors, fuel antisemitism, and promote left-wing ideologies. On the other hand, progressive critics argue that DEI initiatives often serve as symbolic gestures rather than creating meaningful change in reducing inequality. Supporters of DEI, however, contend that such programs are crucial to meeting the diverse needs of today’s students.
Trump’s 2024 campaign promised to eliminate DEI in the federal government, and he quickly followed through with an executive order targeting the programs. This national shift has encouraged Mississippi lawmakers to take action. Though previous attempts to limit DEI in 2024 were unsuccessful, the political climate in 2025 seems more favorable, with other Republican-led states already implementing similar bans.
Proposed Legislation in Mississippi
In the Mississippi House of Representatives, Republican lawmakers are leading the charge to restrict DEI. Reps. Donnie Scoggin, Joey Hood, and Becky Currie have introduced bills to curtail DEI programs. As chair of the House Universities and Colleges Committee, Scoggin has indicated that discussions are ongoing, with Hood’s bill emerging as the most likely candidate for passage.
Hood’s bill seeks to ban diversity training programs that address race, sex, or other federally protected classes. It also aims to regulate academic instruction, prohibiting universities from offering courses that promote what some consider “divisive concepts,” including transgender ideology, gender-neutral pronouns, and gender theory.
Scoggin has suggested that the language of the bill should remain vague to prevent legal challenges and state funding cuts. “There may be a professor that gets out here in left field somewhere. Well, the administration may not know it until they’re notified,” he explained. “It’s about trying to be vague enough that we’re not hurting the college, yet strong enough that we’re getting the message across.”
University Restructuring and Pushback
As other states have moved to ban DEI, Mississippi’s universities have taken steps to rework their diversity initiatives. The University of Mississippi, for example, recently restructured its Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Other Mississippi universities have followed suit, scaling back diversity programs.
Scoggin and Sen. Nicole Boyd, the chairwoman of the Senate Universities and Colleges Committee, have made it clear to university administrators that DEI programs need to be significantly reduced. “We would like for y’all to govern yourselves and do what you want to do. But you know what you’ve got to do,” Scoggin said, emphasizing the necessity of making changes.
Legal and Administrative Changes
In the Senate, two bills targeting DEI have been introduced, one from Boyd and another from Sen. Angela Hill. Boyd’s bill is expected to be the primary vehicle for action. Unlike some other proposals, Boyd’s legislation does not allow students to sue for violations of DEI restrictions. Instead, it proposes a confidential complaint and discipline process for employees who violate the law. The bill also includes provisions for increasing data collection on enrollment and graduation rates at state institutions.
The Political Landscape
The push for DEI restrictions in Mississippi is taking place amid a growing Republican primary race for governor in 2027. State Auditor Shad White has emerged as one of the most vocal proponents of DEI bans, branding Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann as “DEI Delbert” for allegedly blocking such efforts. White’s criticism of Hosemann reflects the political tension surrounding the issue, with both lawmakers and political figures vying for influence.
What’s Next?
The Senate Universities and Colleges Committee is set to discuss DEI legislation in its Thursday meeting, and Mississippi’s higher education system may soon face major changes. As the debate over DEI continues, lawmakers will determine whether these programs remain a fixture in the state’s universities or are eliminated in favor of a more conservative approach.
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