Missouri House bans diversity funding; Senate likely to undo

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri House Republicans have voted to ban diversity spending in state government. State lawmakers on Thursday voted along mostly party lines in favor of a proposed $45 billion state budget blocking funding for diversity, equity and inclusion. The restrictions also would apply to public colleges and universities. A powerful Senate Republican has said he plans to undo the House’s diversity spending limits. The budget change rekindled debate over racism in a state known internationally for racial justice protests in Ferguson and at the University of Missouri’s flagship Columbia campus several years ago.