Kansas state Rep. Kirk Haskins, D-Topeka, speaks against a bill that would restrict the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on university campuses during a debate, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Haskins is graduate studies chairman at Baker University and says the bill would restrict academic freedom. (AP Photo/John Hanna)
Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, speaks in favor of a bill that would restrict diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on university campuses during a debate, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Hawkins and other Republican lawmakers want to prevent universities from basing student admission or employee hiring or promotion decisions based on statements they would require from the candidates about their views on DEI initiatives. (AP Photo/John Hanna)
Kansas state Rep. Steve Howe, center, R-Salina, confers with House Speaker Pro Tem Blake Carpenter, left, R-Derby, and Susan Estes, right, R-Wichita, during a debate on a bill that would limit the use of diversity, equity and improvement in admitting students and hiring or promoting on state university campuses, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Republican lawmakers in more than 20 states are pursuing measures to restrict DEI initiatives. (AP Photo/John Hanna)
Kansas state Rep. Steve Howe, left, R-Salina, answers questions from Rep. Ford Carr, right, D-Wichita, during a House debate on a bill designed to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on university campuses, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Howe backs the bill, which would bar universities from requiring prospective students, job applicants or employees to make statement for or against any "ideology or movement," including DEI. (AP Photo/John Hanna)
. Brandon Woodard, left, D-Lenexa, argues with Rep. Steve Howe, right, R-Salina, over committee testimony about a bill that would restrict diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on university campuses following a House debate on the bill, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Howe is the chair of the committee that drafted the bill and Woodard is its ranking Democrat. (AP Photo/John Hanna)