HB1309

This bill prohibits South Dakota's state universities (Board of Regents institutions) from requiring job applicants or employees to pledge support for specific ideologies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, systemic racism, or gender identity as a condition of employment, promotion, or tenure. The bill also bars universities from giving preferential treatment to candidates based on their views on these topics or on a person's race or ethnicity. In effect, it prevents universities from using what the bill calls "political litmus tests" in hiring and advancement decisions.