Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Research and Resources: West Virginia

In January 2024, State Del. Chris Pritt, a Republican, introduced a bill that would prohibit public colleges from requiring diversity statements from students or employees for hiring, promotion, or admissions purposes; and from giving preferential consideration to applicants, students, and faculty and staff members "on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation." The bill would also ban mandatory diversity training and spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

In February 2023, State Dels. Chris Pritt, Elias Coop-Gonzalez, Caleb Hanna, Michael Hornby, Charles Horst Sr., Riley Keaton, Todd Kirby, Todd Longanacre, Pat McGeehan, and Chris Phillips, all Republicans, introduced a bill that would prohibit public colleges from requiring diversity statements from students or employees for hiring, promotion, or admissions purposes. It would also prohibit public colleges and universities from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, initiatives, or staff members, and would forbid mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion activities. The bill failed to pass before the end of the legislative session, in March.

CHARLESTON — With two days to go to get bills to a key legislative deadline Wednesday, lawmakers in a West Virginia Senate committee decided to move a controversial bill aimed at multiple culture war issues.

West Virginia University Faculty Senate President Frankie Tack discusses plans to fight anticipated anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation from the