South Carolina · H.3927

H.3927: SC bill to ban DEI programs in state agencies, schools and colleges

Published October 16, 2026 · Last updated October 16, 2026

What it would do

The bill would add a new Article 29 to Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code, titled the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act.” The bill’s preamble says it follows federal Executive Order 14173. (Bill title and preamble)

Except as required by federal law, a public entity could not: (§ 1-1-1930)

• implement, maintain or promote DEI, including influencing hiring or admissions on that basis;
• give preferential treatment on the basis of DEI;
• require or ask anyone for a DEI statement, or favor someone for providing one;
• set up or support an office existing in whole or part to promote DEI; or
• require anyone to take part in a DEI program or training.

Key definitions (§ 1-1-1920):

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” or “DEI” means any preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, or requirements implemented by a public entity that constitutes illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Contracts and funding. Before a public entity signs a contract or awards a grant, the contractor or recipient must certify it does not operate unlawful programs or hiring practices. Before any funds go to an organization, “regardless of source and including lottery scholarship funding,” the organization must certify it does not run DEI programs that violate anti-discrimination law. (§ 1-1-1940)

College accreditation. A public college whose accreditor requires a DEI program that constitutes illegal discrimination would have to seek a different accreditor. If no other regional accreditor grants it candidacy at least three years before its current accreditation expires, it may stay one more cycle. (§ 1-1-1950)

The bill also repeals S.C. Code § 1-13-110. (Section 2)

Who it would affect

• Employees, job applicants and students at state agencies, local governments, public colleges and universities, public school districts and public charter schools. (§ 1-1-1920(A)(1))
• Businesses and nonprofits that contract with, get grants from, or receive funds from these entities. (§ 1-1-1940)

What it says it does not affect: veterans’ preferences and Randolph-Sheppard Act preferences (for blind vendors); First Amendment-protected speech; and rights of people with disabilities, including under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (§§ 1-1-1960(A), 1-1-1970)

How it would be enforced

• The bill creates no private right to sue under it. (§ 1-1-1960(B)(1))
• The Inspector General may investigate and must set up a way to file complaints; people who report are protected under Chapter 27, Title 8. (§ 1-1-1960(B)(2))
• The Attorney General may sue for injunctive or declaratory relief. (§ 1-1-1960(B)(4))
• Public entities must report complaints to the Department of Administration each August 1, which reports to legislative leaders, the Inspector General and the Attorney General by October 1. (§ 1-1-1960(B)(3))

Cost and impact

The bill text does not include a cost estimate, and we did not find a fiscal impact statement on the bill page. As written, it would take effect on the Governor’s approval and first apply to Fiscal Year and School Year 2025-2026. (Section 4)

Current status

Introduced in the House February 6, 2025. The House approved it on second reading by an 82–32 roll call on April 2, 2025, then gave it third reading and sent it to the Senate on April 3, 2025. The Senate referred it to its Judiciary Committee on April 10, 2025. The bill page lists no later action. (Bill history)

Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.