Peach Tree Times

House Bill 127 was passed by the Senate Committee on Education and Youth yesterday, seeking to prohibit public schools, local education agencies, and public postsecondary institutions from promoting or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This has drawn strong criticism from various senators.

Democratic Senators Elena Parent, RaShaun Kemp, Donzella James, Sonya Halpern, and Freddie Powell Sims issued a joint statement expressing their disapproval of the committee's decision. They stated, “Yesterday, Georgia Senate Republicans took yet another step backward by advancing HB 127 out of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth. This bill, which would initially have provided much-needed sick leave for our hardworking teachers, has been completely gutted and repurposed into a direct attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools and public universities."

The senators emphasized the value of diversity in education saying, “Let’s be clear: diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Instead of supporting policies that uplift our students and educators, Republicans have chosen to target programs that guarantee every student, especially those from historically unrecognized communities, has the opportunity to succeed. Georgia’s students deserve an education that prepares them for the real world, one that values different perspectives and fosters an inclusive environment.”

The joint statement also highlighted potential negative impacts of the bill. “Instead, this bill sends a dangerous message that diversity and inclusion have no place in our schools. Many students will suffer the consequences of this short-sighted legislation, and our state’s ability to attract top talent and businesses will suffer.”

The senators also expressed dissatisfaction with the committee process. "We are also deeply disappointed by the lack of transparency in yesterday’s committee process. So many members of the public came forward to testify against this harmful bill, yet their voices were silenced. The people of Georgia deserve to be heard, not shut out of the democratic process," they noted.

Determined to continue their opposition, the senators concluded, "We will continue to fight against HB 127 because our children, our teachers and our future depend on it. We urge our colleagues to reject this misguided legislation and support a more inclusive, forward-looking Georgia.”

Senator Elena Parent serves as Chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 44th Senate District. Senator RaShaun Kemp represents the 38th Senate District. Senator Donzella James chairs the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs and represents the 28th Senate District. Senator Sonya Halpern is the Democratic Caucus Vice Chair for the 39th Senate District. Senator Freddie Powell Sims represents the 12th Senate District. Contact details for each senator are provided for further communication.

For media inquiries, contact SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.