HB 1193: Mississippi Prohibits DEI Programs and Mandates Teaching Two Genders in Schools
Summary
HB 1193 was enacted in April 2025. It prohibits public schools from (i) requesting or considering diversity statements from job applicants or for academic admissions, (ii) requiring students or employees to take diversity training, (iii) requiring students or employees to endorse a "divisive concept," (iv) penalize a student, employee, or contractor for refusal to endorse a "divisive concept," or (v) maintain programs, courses, or offices that promote "divisive concepts or concepts promoting transgender ideology, gender-neutral pronouns, heteronormativity, gender theory, sexual privilege or any related formulation of these concepts."
The bill defines a "devisive concept" as concepts (i) that a race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender identify, sexual orientation, religion or national origin is inherently superior, (ii) that a person by virtue of these traits "is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously," (iii) that a person by virtue of these traits should be discriminated against, (iv) "that an individual's moral character is necessarily determined by" these traits, (v) that a person "bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members" who share the traits, and (vi) that "an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of" these traits. A "divisive concept" also includes the concept that "meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular class to oppress another class."
HB 1193 requires all public scools to teach that there are two genders based on chromosomal makeup. The bill creates a legal cause of action for a person to seek damages or injuctive or declaratory relief for violations, and authorizes withdrawal of state funding for institutions with over two complaints of violation until the school complies.
