The Departments & Agencies Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss House Bill 9, which seeks to prohibit state departments and agencies from maintaining offices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The bill aims to establish a merit-based system across state and local governments, including public institutions of higher education.

The meeting began with Representative Mayberry, the bill's sponsor, outlining the legislation's intent to eliminate departments that focus on DEI practices. He emphasized that the bill does not eliminate services for students with disabilities or gender-specific support programs but rather targets departments solely dedicated to DEI. Representative Chisholm raised concerns about the potential impact on services for students from underrepresented areas, questioning whether the bill would hinder recruitment efforts for those students. Mayberry clarified that the bill does not restrict recruitment based on geographic or socioeconomic factors.

As discussions progressed, Representative Miller expressed concerns about the bill's implications for job security among employees currently working in DEI-focused roles. Mayberry reiterated that while the bill would dismantle DEI departments, it does not explicitly advocate for job losses, suggesting that affected employees could transition to other roles within their organizations.

The conversation highlighted a divide among committee members regarding the historical significance and benefits of DEI initiatives. Representative Miller passionately defended the importance of DEI, sharing personal experiences that underscored its role in fostering inclusion and opportunity. He argued that dismantling DEI programs would erase valuable progress made in promoting diversity within the state.

In contrast, other members, including Chairman Powers, supported the bill's focus on meritocracy, asserting that hiring and advancement should be based solely on individual qualifications rather than demographic factors. They referenced federal laws, such as Title IX, which protect against discrimination in educational settings, to argue that existing protections would remain intact.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discuss the bill as it moves through the legislative process. The committee's deliberations reflect ongoing tensions in Tennessee regarding the balance between promoting diversity and ensuring merit-based systems in government and education. The next steps will involve continued examination of the bill's potential impacts on state policies and programs.