SB1713 strengthens enforcement of Tennessee's existing restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in government and public higher education. It requires state agencies, local governments, and public colleges and universities to annually certify that they are not using or promoting DEI. The bill also authorizes the state attorney general to investigate alleged violations of anti-DEI laws.

The Tennessee State Senate passed SB1713 on April 22, 2026 by a vote of 26 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the DEI promotes divisive myths and false historical narratives. 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.