Mississippi

Anti-DEI bills clear both the Mississippi House and Senate

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

Anti-DEI bills clear both the Mississippi House and Senate

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI is a hot-button issue across the country right now. And the Mississippi legislature is joining in on taking action. However, that comes with its fair share of passionate debate.

The House version of a DEI ban would impact the state’s public schools from K-12 up to universities.

It would do away with certain diversity training programs, prevent teaching what the bill outlines as “divisive concepts” and require they teach that there are only two genders: male and female.

“If it is not followed by public schools or colleges and universities, the Attorney General or an individual would have a right to an action to enforce it,” said HB 1193 author Rep. Joey Hood.

The school could have state funding withheld till they comply.

“We were moving forward and as it relates to race relations, gender discrimination and now we’re going back in time and I just don’t understand why we even consider a bill like this,” said Rep. Jeffery Harness.

Less than 24 hours after the hours-long House debate, the Mississippi State Conference NAACP was hosting its Advocacy Day.

Although they were taking a stand on multiple issues, several noted that communities of color are under attack and said this of the talk about DEI bans.

“How can you have a democracy without diversity?” asked the Mississippi State Conference NAACP Executive Director. “How can you have a democracy without equity and you absolutely cannot have a democracy without inclusion? So, I wish that our legislators and I wish the folks around the country would stop using this term in a perverse way. Say what you mean and mean what you say.”

By the end of the work day Thursday, the Senate had cleared a version of its own. Unlike the House proposal, Senate Bill 2515 would only apply to universities and community colleges.

“Abolishing DEI policies does not mean we are abandoning diversity,” noted Sen. Tyler McCaughn.

“I think that this bill is a turning around point in our history,” said Sen. Hillman Frazier. “This bill is the 1890 constitution in 2025.”

The bill passed. Now, each chamber will consider the other’s proposal.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

Source link

Related Topics:dei Featured legislative Legislature Mississippi

Click to comment

Mississippi

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

Published

3 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.

The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.

Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.

Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.

NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.

The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.

Source link

Mississippi

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Ole Miss is working to eventually flip Mississippi State cornerback commit Brandon Allen Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.). Ahead of a packed spring travel schedule, visiting multiple programs, Allen speaks on his current recruitment with Rebels247.com.

Source link

Mississippi

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Staff
| Mississippi Clarion Ledger

A Mississippi wood products manufacturer is investing nearly $5 million in an expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling’s project is expected to create 10 new jobs in Wiggins.
The expansion includes a new treatment plant and an additional 20 acres for storage.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2026.

A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.

Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.

The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.

“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”

Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.

The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.

The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.

Stone County is also contributing to the project.

The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.

The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.

Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.

The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.

This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

Source link