SB520 prohibits "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) offices, officers, policies, and practices within Arkansas local governments, including counties, cities, and towns. The law bans local officials and employees from establishing or participating in DEI initiatives that promote preferential or differential treatment based on race, sex, ethnicity, color, or national origin, or that compel individuals to affirm such beliefs. It also forbids requiring “diversity statements” in hiring or promotion, and allows Arkansas citizens to file civil suits against local governments that violate the law after a 30-day notice period, with courts authorized to grant injunctive relief and attorney fees.
The Arkansas State Senate passed SB520 on April 8, 2025 by a vote of 22 to 7. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement promotes divisive myths and false historical narratives propagated by critical race theorists, feminists, and LGBTQIA+ activists. It is nothing but a modern and subtle outgrowth of efforts by earlier Marxist radicals to alter or destroy the American way of life through a “long march through the institutions.” The goal is a complete disruption of our moral, social, and political order so as to impose conformity on citizens and end all opposition to the welfare state—the modus operandi of totalitarian regimes for centuries. Justice in the hands of “social justice” warriors seeking parity in every aspect of life will only lead to tyranny. DEI must die, along with any other vain attempts to compel “equal outcomes.” Our Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment were written to promote the “general Welfare” of all Americans by means of securing each person’s “unalienable Rights” to life, liberty, and property.
