SB 520: Arkansas Prohibits DEI in Local Governments
Summary
SB 520 was passed in April 2025. It prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, policies, initiatives and practices in any state subdivisions, including local governments, counties, cities, or incorporated towns. It prohibits state agents, administrators, employees, or contractors from requiring others to adopt ideas or beliefs that one should be treated adversely based on race, ethnicity, sex, color, or natural origin, or that by virtue of these traits a person must bear "collective guilt" for actions taken by others with such traits. The bill carves out an exception to discrimination on the basis of sex "if the threatment is necessary to serve an important local government objective," like for female guards in female facilities. SB 520 creates a cause of action for state citizens to sue a local government for injuctive relief and attorney's fees, after notification, for an alleged violation.
